What happens during a C&P exam for HIV/AIDS?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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HIV/AIDS

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for HIV/AIDS?

HIV/AIDS (DC 6351) is rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351. Asymptomatic, following initial diagnosis of HIV infection, with or without lymphadenopathy or decreased T4 cell count.

Q: What rates 0% for HIV/AIDS under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351 (DC 6351), a 0% rating for HIV/AIDS requires: Asymptomatic, following initial diagnosis of HIV infection, with or without lymphadenopathy or decreased T4 cell count.

Q: What rates 10% for HIV/AIDS under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351 (DC 6351), a 10% rating for HIV/AIDS requires: Following development of definite medical symptoms, T4 cell of 200 or more and less than 500, and on approved medication(s); or, with evidence of depression or memory loss with employment limitations.

Q: What rates 30% for HIV/AIDS under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351 (DC 6351), a 30% rating for HIV/AIDS requires: Recurrent constitutional symptoms, intermittent diarrhea, and on approved medication(s); or, minimum rating with T4 cell count less than 200; or, hairy cell leukoplakia; or, oral candidiasis.

Q: What rates 60% for HIV/AIDS under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351 (DC 6351), a 60% rating for HIV/AIDS requires: Refractory constitutional symptoms, diarrhea, and pathological weight loss; or, minimum rating following development of AIDS-related opportunistic infection or neoplasm.

Q: What rates 100% for HIV/AIDS under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351 (DC 6351), a 100% rating for HIV/AIDS requires: AIDS with recurrent opportunistic infections or with secondary diseases afflicting multiple body systems; HIV-related illness with debility and progressive weight loss, without remission, or few or brief remissions.

Q: What evidence do I need for a HIV/AIDS VA claim?

Key evidence for a HIV/AIDS claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 635138 C.F.R. § 4.88b

Diagnostic Code

DC 6351

38 C.F.R. § 4.88b

Rating Range

0–100%

5 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.88b

HIV/AIDS is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6351 of 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6351 across 5 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 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

Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection that progressively impairs the immune system. Untreated infection can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), characterized by opportunistic infections, certain cancers, and severe immune dysfunction. Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress viral load to undetectable levels and prevent progression. Service members may have been exposed through transfusions, sharps injuries, sexual contact, or in-service medical procedures.

Rating Criteria

Asymptomatic, following initial diagnosis of HIV infection, with or without lymphadenopathy or decreased T4 cell count.

10%

Following development of definite medical symptoms, T4 cell of 200 or more and less than 500, and on approved medication(s); or, with evidence of depression or memory loss with employment limitations.

30%

Recurrent constitutional symptoms, intermittent diarrhea, and on approved medication(s); or, minimum rating with T4 cell count less than 200; or, hairy cell leukoplakia; or, oral candidiasis.

60%

Refractory constitutional symptoms, diarrhea, and pathological weight loss; or, minimum rating following development of AIDS-related opportunistic infection or neoplasm.

100%

AIDS with recurrent opportunistic infections or with secondary diseases afflicting multiple body systems; HIV-related illness with debility and progressive weight loss, without remission, or few or brief remissions.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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Tools

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Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.88b (Infectious diseases, immune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.88b on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →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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