EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
DC 6350 | 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350 |
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6350 of 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350 across 3 severity tiers (40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis / 20% -- Moderate limitation / 10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion). 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 Lupus Nephritis or Pericarditis under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Affects joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Characterized by flares and remissions. More common in women and may be triggered by environmental exposures during military service.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
40%+ -- Severe limitation or ankylosis
Severe limitation of motion or ankylosis of the affected joint. Specific percentages depend on the joint and whether dominant/non-dominant.
20% -- Moderate limitation
Moderate limitation of motion with significant functional impairment. DeLuca factors may increase the effective rating.
10% -- Mild limitation or painful motion
Mild limitation of motion, or X-ray evidence of arthritis with painful motion under DC 5003.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (9 MAPPED)
DC
Autoimmune attack on kidney tissue
DC
Inflammation of heart lining
DC
Inflammation of lung lining
DC
CNS involvement causing cognitive dysfunction
DC
Overlapping autoimmune conditions
DC
Associated clotting disorder
DC
Disease and steroids weaken bones
DC
Chronic disease and CNS involvement
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026