EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Lupus (SLE) VA Disability Rating
DC 6350 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.88b | M21-1, Part IV.ii.1
OVERVIEW
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease rated under DC 6350. Lupus affects multiple organ systems including joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and brain. Ratings are based on frequency of exacerbations. Women veterans are disproportionately affected. Lupus may be triggered or aggravated by military service stress, UV exposure, or environmental factors.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
100% -- Acute with frequent exacerbations producing severe impairment of health
Frequent severe flares affecting multiple organ systems.
60% -- Exacerbations lasting a week or more, 2-3 times per year
Regular significant flares requiring medical intervention.
10% -- Exacerbations once or twice per year, or symptomatic during the past 2 years
Documented lupus with infrequent flares.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Rheumatology diagnosis with positive ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith antibodies
-Documentation of organ involvement (kidneys, skin, joints, heart, brain)
-Biopsy results (skin or kidney) if applicable
-Medication records (hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants, steroids, biologics)
-Flare-up documentation with dates, symptoms, duration, and treatment
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC 7500-7502
Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications.
DC 9434/9413
Chronic autoimmune disease with unpredictable flares causes significant psychological impact.
DC 5002/5009
Inflammatory arthritis is one of the most common lupus manifestations.
DC 7806/7816
Lupus skin manifestations (malar rash, discoid lupus) are separately ratable.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Lupus affects multiple organ systems -- each affected system can potentially be rated separately.
2.Keep a detailed flare-up diary: dates, symptoms, which organs affected, treatment required, days of incapacity.
3.Women veterans: lupus is significantly more common in women. If symptoms started during or shortly after service, the nexus is favorable.
4.Medications like hydroxychloroquine require regular eye exams -- document any visual changes.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Lupus at 60% pays $1,432.71/mo. At 100%, $3,938.58/mo. With separately rated kidney disease, arthritis, skin, and depression, combined ratings routinely reach 100%.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026