Body system: Digestive SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.114DBQ: DBQ GI Liver Conditions
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation and damage to your liver. The VA doesn't have separate rating percentages for Hepatitis C itself - instead, they rate it under Diagnostic Code 7345 for chronic liver disease without cirrhosis (hardening of the liver). Your rating percentage depends on how much the Hepatitis C has affected your liver function and caused symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Rating levels
-1% — Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection that can cause long-term inflammation, scarring, and cirrhosis. The VA identifies it under DC 7354 and rates it using the DC 7345 criteria in 38 CFR § 4.114. Those criteria look at the treatment your liver disease requires, weight loss measured against your baseline, and a list of symptoms, not at a count of incapacitating episodes. The top level is for progressive chronic liver disease requiring both parenteral antiviral therapy and parenteral immunomodulatory therapy, which means treatment given by injection or infusion rather than an ordinary pill, and it continues for six months after that treatment stops. If hepatitis C causes cirrhosis or liver cancer, that condition is evaluated under its own diagnostic code, but the same signs and symptoms cannot be counted twice. These criteria took effect May 19, 2024; earlier rating periods may have been decided under the older rules.
Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.
