VA Disability Rating for Relapsing Fever (DC 6308)
Diagnostic Code 6308 · 38 CFR §4.88b
What Is It?
Relapsing fever is caused by Borrelia species, transmitted through tick or louse bites. The VA uses the General Rating Formula: active disease at 100 percent, and residuals including liver or spleen damage, iritis, uveitis, or central nervous system involvement are rated under appropriate body system codes.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active relapsing fever with documented recurring fever episodes and positive lab findings during treatment. |
| 0% | Resolved. Organ damage including liver/spleen damage, iritis, uveitis, or CNS involvement is rated under relevant body system codes. |
Evidence Needed
Blood smear or PCR confirming Borrelia. Service records documenting vector exposure. Medical records showing fever pattern. Treatment records. Documentation of organ damage.
C&P Exam Tips
Document fever episodes with dates. Bring lab results. Describe lasting effects. Mention liver or neurological symptoms. Have deployment records.
How to File
File under DC 6308 with lab work and service records. File residual organ damage separately with nexus letters.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes include confusing with Lyme disease, not documenting each relapse, failing to claim neurological complications separately, and not connecting field conditions to vector exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is relapsing fever different from Lyme disease?
Both caused by Borrelia but different species. Relapsing fever has recurring high fevers; Lyme has the bull's-eye rash and joint symptoms.
Can relapsing fever come back after treatment?
The disease pattern involves recurring fever episodes. With antibiotics, it should clear, but organ damage from episodes may be permanent.