VA Disability Rating for Syphilis and Other Treponema Infections (DC 6310)
Diagnostic Code 6310 · 38 CFR §4.88b
What Is It?
Syphilis and other treponema infections are bacterial diseases that can affect multiple organ systems if untreated. Syphilis progresses through stages: primary (chancre sore), secondary (rash, systemic symptoms), latent (no symptoms but infection persists), and tertiary (serious organ damage years later). Under DC 6310, the VA does not rate the infection itself but instead rates any residual disability under the appropriate body system codes. The regulation specifically references cardiovascular codes (DC 7004), neurological codes (DC 8013, 8014, 8015), and eye and ear conditions.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | There is no standalone percentage rating under DC 6310. All residual disabilities are rated under the appropriate body system. Nervous system damage is rated under neurological codes (such as DC 8013 for cerebrospinal syphilis), vascular damage under cardiovascular codes (such as DC 7004), and eye or ear conditions under those respective systems. |
Evidence Needed
Serological testing confirming syphilis (RPR, VDRL, FTA-ABS). Service medical records. Neurological examination and cerebrospinal fluid analysis if neurosyphilis suspected. Echocardiogram for cardiovascular involvement. Eye examination. Audiological testing. Documentation of treatment timeline.
C&P Exam Tips
Focus on what damage syphilis caused, not the infection itself. Get neurological evaluation for cognitive decline or balance problems. Have echocardiogram for cardiovascular involvement. Get ophthalmological and audiological exams. Each damaged system gets its own rating.
How to File
Because DC 6310 does not carry its own percentage rating, file claims for each damaged body system separately. File neurosyphilis under neurological codes, cardiovascular syphilis under heart codes, ocular syphilis under eye codes, and otosyphilis under ear codes.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is not understanding that DC 6310 carries no percentage rating itself — veterans must claim each damaged organ system separately. Other mistakes include not evaluating for neurosyphilis when neurological symptoms are present, not getting cardiovascular screening, and overlooking gradual eye and ear damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does DC 6310 not have its own rating percentages?
The VA rates syphilis entirely by its residual effects on specific body systems. This approach can actually result in higher combined ratings because you get separate ratings for each damaged system.
What is neurosyphilis and how is it rated?
Neurosyphilis occurs when bacteria invade the nervous system, causing cognitive decline, balance problems, and pain syndromes. It is rated under neurological codes, particularly DC 8013.
Can syphilis damage appear years after the infection?
Yes. Tertiary syphilis can develop 10 to 30 years after the initial infection if inadequately treated.