What rates 10% for Cirrhosis of the Liver under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7312 (current text per 2024-05-19 amendment)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7312 (current text per 2024-05-19 amendment) (DC 7312), a 10% rating for Cirrhosis of the Liver requires: Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 6 but less than 10; or with evidence of either anorexia, weakness, abdominal pain or malaise.

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Cirrhosis of the Liver

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis of the Liver (DC 7312) is rated at 100%, 60%, 30%, 10% under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7312 (current text per 2024-05-19 amendment). Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than or equal to 15; or with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness and at least one of the following: (1) ascites (fluid in the abdomen), or (2) a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or (3) hepatic encephalopathy, or (4) variceal hemorrhage, or (5) coagulopathy, or (6) portal gastropathy, or (7) hepatopulmonary or hepatorenal syndrome.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Cirrhosis of the Liver VA claim?

Key evidence for a Cirrhosis of the Liver claim includes: Documented baseline and current weight showing any substantial (>20%) or minor (10-20%) weight loss per 38 CFR 4.112; Endoscopy, barium swallow, or imaging reports confirming the diagnosis; Treatment records documenting frequency of pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea episodes; Hospitalization records for the past 12 months; Lab work showing anemia, and records of any TPN, tube feeding, or prescribed dietary modification. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 731238 C.F.R. § 4.114

Diagnostic Code

DC 7312

38 C.F.R. § 4.114

Rating Range

10–100%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Cirrhosis of the Liver is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7312 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7312 (current text per 2024-05-19 amendment) across 4 severity tiers (100% / 60% / 30% / 10%). 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

Advanced scarring of the liver from long-term damage, impairing liver function and blood flow. Current DC 7312 schedule is MELD-score-based (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease).

Rating Criteria

100%

Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than or equal to 15; or with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness and at least one of the following: (1) ascites (fluid in the abdomen), or (2) a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or (3) hepatic encephalopathy, or (4) variceal hemorrhage, or (5) coagulopathy, or (6) portal gastropathy, or (7) hepatopulmonary or hepatorenal syndrome.

60%

Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 11 but less than 15; or with daily fatigue and at least one episode in the last year of either (1) variceal hemorrhage, or (2) portal gastropathy or hepatic encephalopathy.

30%

Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 10 or 11; or with signs of portal hypertension such as splenomegaly or ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and either weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, or malaise.

10%

Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 6 but less than 10; or with evidence of either anorexia, weakness, abdominal pain or malaise.

Key Evidence

—Documented baseline and current weight showing any substantial (>20%) or minor (10-20%) weight loss per 38 CFR 4.112

—Endoscopy, barium swallow, or imaging reports confirming the diagnosis

—Treatment records documenting frequency of pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea episodes

—Hospitalization records for the past 12 months

—Lab work showing anemia, and records of any TPN, tube feeding, or prescribed dietary modification

—Complete list of prescribed GI medications

C&P Exam Tips

1Many digestive ratings turn on documented weight loss - under 38 CFR 4.112, substantial weight loss is involuntary loss greater than 20% of baseline sustained for three months, and minor weight loss is 10% to 20%. Ask the examiner to record your baseline and current weight.

2Frequency matters: report how many episodes of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea you have per day, week, or year, and how many last three or more consecutive days.

3Incapacitating episodes and hospitalizations in the past 12 months drive higher ratings for many GI codes - bring records of every hospital stay.

4Note any anemia, dietary modification, or nutritional support (TPN or tube feeding) - these are explicit rating criteria for several digestive conditions.

5Endoscopy, barium swallow, or imaging often must confirm the diagnosis (for example, esophageal stricture, GERD, IBD, ulcers) - make sure those reports are in the file.

6Report your worst days, list all GI medications, and describe how symptoms disrupt eating, work, and daily activity.

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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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