What secondary conditions are linked to Chronic Corticosteroid Use?

Common secondary conditions for Chronic Corticosteroid Use include Osteoporosis, Diabetes Type II, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Avascular Necrosis. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

What happens during a C&P exam for Chronic Corticosteroid Use?

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.

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Chronic Corticosteroid Use

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Chronic Corticosteroid Use?

Chronic Corticosteroid Use (DC 6299) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection). Medication use is not itself a rated disability. Each condition caused by long-term corticosteroid therapy rates under its own diagnostic code as secondary to the service-connected condition requiring the medication (38 CFR § 3.310).

Q: What rates 0% for Chronic Corticosteroid Use under 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)?

Under 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection) (DC 6299), a 0% rating for Chronic Corticosteroid Use requires: Medication use is not itself a rated disability. Each condition caused by long-term corticosteroid therapy rates under its own diagnostic code as secondary to the service-connected condition requiring the medication (38 CFR § 3.310).

Q: What evidence do I need for a Chronic Corticosteroid Use VA claim?

Key evidence for a Chronic Corticosteroid Use 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 629938 C.F.R. § 3.310 (secondary service connection)

Diagnostic Code

DC 6299

38 C.F.R. § 3.310 (secondary service connection)

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Chronic Corticosteroid Use is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6299 of 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection) across 1 severity tier (0%). 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. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Osteoporosis or Diabetes Type II under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

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

Overview

Long-term use of systemic corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone) prescribed to treat a service-connected condition. While the medication itself is not rated, the documented side effects — Cushing's-like syndrome, secondary diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, cataracts, glaucoma, immunosuppression, weight gain, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, avascular necrosis — are eligible for secondary service connection under 38 CFR § 3.310 when the underlying condition driving the steroid prescription is service-connected.

Rating Criteria

Medication use is not itself a rated disability. Each condition caused by long-term corticosteroid therapy rates under its own diagnostic code as secondary to the service-connected condition requiring the medication (38 CFR § 3.310).

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.

Secondary Conditions

OsteoporosisMODERATE

Steroids inhibit bone formation and calcium absorption

Diabetes Type IIMODERATE

Steroids increase blood glucose and insulin resistance

CataractsMODERATE

Steroids cause posterior subcapsular cataracts

GlaucomaMODERATE

Steroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation

Avascular NecrosisMODERATE

Steroids damage blood supply to bones

Adrenal InsufficiencyMODERATE

Long-term use suppresses adrenal function

Skin ThinningMODERATE

Steroids break down collagen in skin

HypertensionMODERATE

Steroids cause fluid retention and vascular changes

Weight GainMODERATE

Increased appetite and fat redistribution

Muscle WeaknessMODERATE

Steroid myopathy from protein catabolism

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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.
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