VA Disability Rating for Rheumatic Fever (DC 6309)
Diagnostic Code 6309 · 38 CFR §4.88b
What Is It?
Rheumatic fever develops as a complication of untreated streptococcal throat infections. The VA uses the General Rating Formula: active disease at 100 percent, and residuals — most importantly heart damage — are rated under appropriate body system codes.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active rheumatic fever with documented inflammatory activity and cardiac involvement. |
| 0% | Resolved. Residual heart valve damage, joint problems, or neurological effects are rated under appropriate body system codes. |
Evidence Needed
Medical records from the rheumatic fever episode. Echocardiogram results. Service records documenting strep infections. Cardiology follow-up records. Documentation of joint or neurological residuals.
C&P Exam Tips
Have recent echocardiogram results. Describe heart-related symptoms. Mention joint issues. Report blood thinner or antibiotic use. Bring service records of original strep infection.
How to File
File under DC 6309 if active. Once resolved, file for heart valve disease under cardiovascular codes, which often yields higher ratings.
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes include not monitoring with echocardiograms, filing only under infection code, underestimating long-term valve damage, and not connecting in-service strep to later heart problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rheumatic heart disease show up years after the fever?
Yes. Valve damage can be mild initially and worsen over decades.
How should I rate heart valve damage from rheumatic fever?
Under cardiovascular codes, which provide significantly higher ratings. Claim as secondary to the service-connected rheumatic fever.