VA Disability Rating for Bartonellosis (DC 6306)

Diagnostic Code 6306 · 38 CFR §4.88b

What Is It?

Bartonellosis encompasses infections caused by Bartonella bacteria, transmitted through sandfly bites, fleas, or body lice. The VA uses the General Rating Formula: active disease at 100 percent, and residuals including endocarditis or skin lesions are rated under appropriate body system codes.

Rating Criteria

RatingCriteria
100%Active bartonellosis with confirmed infection and systemic symptoms during treatment.
0%Resolved. Lasting damage including endocarditis or skin lesions is rated under appropriate body system codes.

Evidence Needed

Lab results confirming Bartonella infection. Deployment records. Treatment records. Follow-up records. Documentation of organ damage.

C&P Exam Tips

Bring deployment records. Have original lab results. Describe lingering symptoms. Report organ issues. Document persistent skin lesions.

How to File

File under DC 6306 with lab confirmation and service records. File residual organ damage separately.

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes include not preserving lab work, failing to claim residual damage separately, not connecting deployment to endemic areas, and overlooking chronic anemia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is bartonellosis transmitted to veterans?

Through sandflies, fleas, and body lice — common in field conditions during deployments.

What if my bartonellosis cleared but I have lasting liver issues?

File the liver condition as secondary to the service-connected bartonellosis.

Related guides

Procedural guides that go with this condition — useful while you're putting a claim together.

Gulf War Illness and Southwest Asia Presumptions →Burn Pit Exposure and PACT Act Claims — Complete Guide to Presumptive Conditions →Presumptive Service Connection — Conditions the VA Automatically Links to Service →C&P Exams — What to Expect and How to Prepare →Nexus Letters — The Medical Opinion That Makes or Breaks Your Claim →