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Chronic Liver Disease VA Disability Rating
DC 7345 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.114 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.F
OVERVIEW
Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis is rated under DC 7345 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.114. This is the parent code for Hepatitis C (DC 7354) and Hepatitis B. Rating based on severity of symptoms including fatigue, malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, pruritus, and arthralgia, combined with need for continuous medication and weight loss. Note: DC 7345 includes Hepatitis B, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune liver disease, Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, and drug-induced hepatitis.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
100% — Progressive, requiring dual therapy
Progressive disease requiring both parenteral antiviral therapy (direct antiviral agents) AND parenteral immunomodulatory therapy (interferon). Continues 6 months after discontinuance.
60% — Progressive, substantial weight loss, 2+ symptoms
Progressive disease requiring continuous medication; substantial weight loss; AND at least 2 of: daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, pruritus, arthralgia.
40% — Progressive, minor weight loss, 2+ symptoms
Progressive disease requiring continuous medication; minor weight loss; AND at least 2 of: daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, pruritus, arthralgia.
20% — Symptomatic
Chronic liver disease with at least 1 of: intermittent fatigue, malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, or pruritus.
0% — Asymptomatic
Previous history of liver disease, currently asymptomatic.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin)
-Diagnosis documentation specifying type
-Fibrosis staging (biopsy, FibroScan, or FIB-4 score)
-Treatment records and medication list
-Symptom documentation: fatigue, weight loss, abdominal findings
-Imaging documenting hepatomegaly
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 7312
Cirrhosis is direct sequela — typically rated higher than DC 7345.
DC 9434
Chronic liver disease causes neuropsychiatric symptoms including depression.
DC 5003
Arthralgia is listed as a rating criterion — if severe, file separately.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Document each symptom specifically: daily vs. intermittent fatigue, weight loss amounts, hepatomegaly on exam.
2.The 20% rating requires only 1 symptom — ensure examiner records any single qualifying symptom.
3.Weight loss is key differentiator between 40% and 60%.
4.If you have cirrhosis, file under DC 7312 rather than DC 7345 — cirrhosis ratings are typically higher.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.114, DC 7345 Note (3)
This code includes Hepatitis B, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune liver disease, Wilson's disease, Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, hemochromatosis, and drug-induced hepatitis.
DOLLAR IMPACT
20% for symptomatic: $175.03/mo. 40% for progressive: $673.28/mo. HCV veterans who achieve cure still have residual liver disease rating at 20-40% based on fibrosis stage and symptoms.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026