EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Hepatitis C (Chronic)
DC 7354 | 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7354 |
Hepatitis C (Chronic) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7354 of 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7354 across 3 severity tiers (60% -- Severe impairment of health / 30% -- Considerable impairment of health / 10% -- Two or more symptoms of less severity). 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 Cirrhosis or Cryoglobulinemia under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Chronic viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. Very common in Vietnam-era veterans from blood transfusions, jet gun inoculations, and combat exposure. Modern antiviral treatments can cure HCV, but liver damage may persist.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
60% -- Severe impairment of health
Pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations producing severe impairment.
30% -- Considerable impairment of health
Persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, with substernal/arm/shoulder pain.
10% -- Two or more symptoms of less severity
Two or more of the symptoms for the 30% evaluation of less severity.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC
Chronic viral infection causes liver scarring
DC
Immune complex disorder from chronic infection
DC
Immune-mediated nerve damage
DC
Viral effect on insulin signaling
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SECONDARY CONDITIONS
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EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026