VA Disability Rating for West Nile Virus Infection (DC 6335)

Diagnostic Code 6335 · 38 CFR §4.88b

What Is It?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause mild flu-like symptoms in most cases but devastating neurological disease in others. The most serious forms — encephalitis and meningitis — can cause permanent neurological damage. The VA uses the General Rating Formula. Residuals including variable physical, functional, and cognitive disabilities are rated under appropriate body system codes.

Rating Criteria

Evidence Needed

Serological testing confirming West Nile virus (IgM antibodies in blood or CSF). Medical records from the acute illness. Service records showing location. Neurological examination. Neuropsychological testing if cognitive impairment is present.

C&P Exam Tips

Describe whether you had the mild or neuroinvasive form. Detail all residual neurological symptoms. Bring neurological exam and neuropsychological test results. Report chronic fatigue, weakness, or cognitive difficulties. Document where you were stationed.

How to File

File under DC 6335 for the acute infection. File separate claims for residual neurological damage. Neuropsychological testing is important for documenting cognitive residuals. For veterans with a qualifying period of service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, or in Afghanistan on or after September 19, 2001, 38 CFR 3.317(c) presumes service connection for West Nile virus that became manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year of separation from that service — on that route you do not have to prove an in-service event, only the qualifying service and the diagnosis. Outside that service or that window, the evidence this page describes is what carries the claim. Those residuals have a route of their own as well: 38 CFR 3.317(d) lists variable physical, functional or cognitive disability as the long-term health effect potentially associated with West Nile virus and sets no time period for it, so where a veteran presumed service connected under paragraph (c) is later diagnosed with such a disability, VA will request a medical opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that the infection caused it.

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes include not getting neuropsychological testing for cognitive impairment, filing only under the infection code, attributing persistent fatigue and cognitive problems to aging, and not documenting the acute illness with serological confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can West Nile virus cause permanent damage?

Yes. Neuroinvasive forms can cause permanent cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, and in severe cases paralysis.

How do I know if I had the serious form?

If you were hospitalized with high fever, confusion, severe headache, stiff neck, or muscle weakness, you likely had neuroinvasive disease.