What happens during a C&P exam for Cancer (Various / General)?

An active infectious disease is generally rated at 100% while active; once it resolves, it is rated at 0% and you are rated on the residual disability within the affected body system (38 CFR 4.88b) - claim each residual condition. Recurrence of active infection usually must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing - make sure that confirmation is in your record.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Cancer (Various / General)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Cancer (Various / General)?

Cancer (Various / General) (DC Various) is rated at 100% under 38 CFR § 4.117-4.118. Each malignancy is rated under the malignant-neoplasm diagnostic code of the affected body system: generally 100% during active disease and for a prescribed period following treatment, after which residuals are rated under the appropriate codes following a mandatory VA examination.

Q: What rates 100% for Cancer (Various / General) under 38 CFR § 4.117-4.118?

Under 38 CFR § 4.117-4.118 (DC Various), a 100% rating for Cancer (Various / General) requires: Each malignancy is rated under the malignant-neoplasm diagnostic code of the affected body system: generally 100% during active disease and for a prescribed period following treatment, after which residuals are rated under the appropriate codes following a mandatory VA examination.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Cancer (Various / General) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Cancer (Various / General) claim includes: Laboratory confirmation of the infection (culture, histopathology, serology, or molecular testing); Records documenting the active-disease period and treatment dates; Treatment records for each residual condition, rated within its own body system; CD4/T4 cell counts and records of constitutional symptoms or opportunistic infections (HIV); Service records establishing the qualifying exposure or in-service onset (nexus). All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC Various38 C.F.R. § 4.117-4.118

Diagnostic Code

DC Various

38 C.F.R. § 4.117-4.118

Rating Range

100–100%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Cancer (Various / General) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC Various of 38 CFR § 4.117-4.118 across 1 severity tier (100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Malignant neoplasms of any type. All active cancers are rated 100% during active disease and treatment. After treatment, rated on residuals with minimum 10%. Many cancers are presumptive for Agent Orange, burn pit exposure, radiation exposure, or Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Rating Criteria

100%

Each malignancy is rated under the malignant-neoplasm diagnostic code of the affected body system: generally 100% during active disease and for a prescribed period following treatment, after which residuals are rated under the appropriate codes following a mandatory VA examination.

Key Evidence

—Laboratory confirmation of the infection (culture, histopathology, serology, or molecular testing)

—Records documenting the active-disease period and treatment dates

—Treatment records for each residual condition, rated within its own body system

—CD4/T4 cell counts and records of constitutional symptoms or opportunistic infections (HIV)

—Service records establishing the qualifying exposure or in-service onset (nexus)

—Complete list of prescribed medications and their side effects

C&P Exam Tips

1An active infectious disease is generally rated at 100% while active; once it resolves, it is rated at 0% and you are rated on the residual disability within the affected body system (38 CFR 4.88b) - claim each residual condition.

2Recurrence of active infection usually must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing - make sure that confirmation is in your record.

3Identify and claim every residual (for example, arthritis, neuropathy, liver or kidney damage, or cognitive issues) - that is where most lasting compensation comes from after the active phase.

4For HIV-related illness (DC 6351), the rating turns on CD4/T4 cell count thresholds (for example, under 200, or 200-500) plus constitutional symptoms and opportunistic infections - bring your CD4 labs.

5Some infections carry presumptive long-term health effects under 38 CFR 3.317 - note any qualifying service exposure that supports the nexus.

6Report your worst days, list all medications and side effects, and describe how the illness and its residuals affect work and daily activity.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

LOADING