What happens during a C&P exam for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic)?

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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Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic)?

Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) (DC 6354) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354. Signs and symptoms of CFS that wax and wane but result in periods of incapacitation of at least one but less than two weeks total duration per year, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication.

Q: What rates 10% for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354 (DC 6354), a 10% rating for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) requires: Signs and symptoms of CFS that wax and wane but result in periods of incapacitation of at least one but less than two weeks total duration per year, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication.

Q: What rates 20% for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354 (DC 6354), a 20% rating for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) requires: Signs and symptoms are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities by less than 25 percent of the pre-illness level, or; incapacitating episodes of at least two but less than four weeks total duration per year.

Q: What rates 40% for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354 (DC 6354), a 40% rating for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) requires: Signs and symptoms are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level, or; incapacitating episodes of at least four but less than six weeks total duration per year.

Q: What rates 60% for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354 (DC 6354), a 60% rating for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) requires: Signs and symptoms are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level, or; incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks total duration per year.

Q: What rates 100% for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354 (DC 6354), a 100% rating for Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) requires: Signs and symptoms are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) 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 635438 C.F.R. § 4.88b

Diagnostic Code

DC 6354

38 C.F.R. § 4.88b

Rating Range

10–100%

5 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Epstein-Barr Virus (Chronic) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6354 of 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354 across 5 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60% / 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

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection causing persistent fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and malaise. Most people carry EBV, but chronic active infection causes debilitating symptoms. May be linked to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Rating Criteria

10%

Signs and symptoms of CFS that wax and wane but result in periods of incapacitation of at least one but less than two weeks total duration per year, or; symptoms controlled by continuous medication.

20%

Signs and symptoms are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities by less than 25 percent of the pre-illness level, or; incapacitating episodes of at least two but less than four weeks total duration per year.

40%

Signs and symptoms are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level, or; incapacitating episodes of at least four but less than six weeks total duration per year.

60%

Signs and symptoms are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level, or; incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks total duration per year.

100%

Signs and symptoms are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care.

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

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