VA Disability Rating for Melioidosis (DC 6318)
Diagnostic Code 6318 · 38 CFR §4.88b
What Is It?
Melioidosis is caused by the soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei found in tropical regions. The bacteria can remain dormant for decades before reactivating. The VA requires confirmation by culture or other specific diagnostic tests for initial diagnosis and any relapse. Residuals including arthritis, lung lesions, and meningitis are rated under appropriate body system codes.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active melioidosis with confirmed culture during treatment. |
| 0% | Treated with no active disease. Residuals including arthritis, lung lesions, and meningitis are rated under appropriate body system codes. |
Evidence Needed
Bacterial culture or other specific diagnostic tests confirming Burkholderia pseudomallei. Deployment records to endemic areas. Treatment records. Documentation of reactivation episodes. Post-treatment organ evaluations.
C&P Exam Tips
Emphasize deployment history in endemic regions. Describe soil or water contact. Report all episodes including years-later reactivations. Bring culture results. Mention organ abscesses.
How to File
File under DC 6318 with culture confirmation and deployment records. Even infections appearing years after service can be connected. File organ damage residuals separately.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes include not recognizing decades-long dormancy, failing to connect current infection to past service, not claiming organ damage separately, and physicians misdiagnosing the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can melioidosis appear decades after service?
Yes. The longest documented reactivation was over 60 years after exposure. Vietnam veterans are a recognized risk population.
Why is melioidosis called the great mimicker?
It can affect virtually any organ and resemble tuberculosis, pneumonia, cancer, or other diseases.