VA Disability Ratings For Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C has presented a significant challenge for military veterans, with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reporting a notably high prevalence of this infection among U.S. service members. Securing VA disability benefits for hepatitis C is achievable but can pose challenges.

The hepatitis C virus often remains inactive in the body for many years before showing symptoms, making it tough to establish a connection to military service. Consequently, veterans dealing with hepatitis C often require the assistance of seasoned veteran benefits representatives to guide them through the appeals process.

Hepatitis C Virus And Its Effects

Hepatitis C virus affects the liver, leading to inflammation. The liver is essential for controlling metabolism and supporting digestion. Consequently, you might encounter issues related to energy levels and metabolism. Additionally, hepatitis C can undermine the liver's health, increasing the risk of cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

Nonetheless, the majority of hepatitis C cases display either mild symptoms or no symptoms. Consequently, many individuals with hepatitis C may not even know they have been infected.

How VA Rates Hepatitis C?

The VA evaluates hepatitis C under Diagnostic Code 7354, placed within the broader category of digestive system disorders and internal organs. The rating you receive can vary from 0 percent to 100 percent, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

What Are Different VA Disability Ratings For Hepatitis C?

The VA acknowledges that numerous veterans who served as medical personnel in the military contracted hepatitis C during their service in the field and due to other combat-related conditions that elevate the risk of virus transmission.

Here is a concise overview of how the VA evaluates hepatitis C and rates it according to the severity of the condition:

100 percent rating: The patient should experience persistent and severe symptoms that are nearly constant. These symptoms encompass nausea, fatigue, pain in the upper right abdomen, and joint pain.

60 percent rating: The patient should endure daily symptoms, which may involve significant weight loss, an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), fatigue, loss of appetite, and discomfort. Alternatively, the patient must encounter extended periods of severe vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, fatigue, and upper right abdomen pain for at least six weeks within the past 12 months, even though these symptoms may not be constant.

40 percent rating: The patient must experience these identical symptoms for a duration of at least four weeks but no more than six weeks within the past 12 months.

20 percent rating: The patient should endure symptoms for at least two weeks but less than four weeks within the past 12 months.

10 percent rating: The patient must experience "off-and-on" symptoms of appetite loss, general discomfort, or fatigue or have intermittent episodes of severe symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, nausea, joint pain, appetite loss, and pain in the upper right abdomen for at least one week but less than two weeks in the preceding 12 months.

Benefits For Separate But Connected Conditions

Hepatitis C can impact the liver and lead to various other conditions, such as symptoms including but not limited to:

• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Skin disorders like jaundice
• Mental confusion
• Weight loss

If you have a disability or a marked decrease in your quality of life due to these conditions, you could be eligible for an additional VA rating or benefits for those conditions.

The VA regards hepatitis C as the main condition of your service. If you developed hepatitis C during military service, any related injuries or disabilities caused or worsened by it may qualify for VA compensation ratings.

VA calculates residual ratings by assessing each symptom separately and uses a disability calculator to combine them rather than simply add them up.