Avitaminosis (Vitamin Deficiency Disease)

DC 6313Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6313

A disease caused by chronic vitamin deficiency, often resulting from malnutrition, malabsorption, or dietary restrictions during military service. Common forms include scurvy (vitamin C), beriberi (thiamine), pellagra (niacin), and rickets/osteomalacia (vitamin D). The VA rates avitaminosis based on the severity of symptoms and how well they respond to vitamin replacement therapy.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 6313

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6313. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have severe symptoms from vitamin deficiency with significant organ damage such as severe neuropathy with functional impairment, pathologic fractures, severe dermatitis, or cardiac involvement from beriberi.

What the VA looks for

Severe peripheral neuropathy causing gait disturbance or hand dysfunction
Pathologic fractures from vitamin D deficiency
Severe dermatitis resistant to treatment
Cardiac dysfunction from thiamine deficiency (wet beriberi)
Significant functional impairment affecting employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting vitamin deficiency to military service — combat deployments, field rations, and limited dietary options during service are well-documented causes of nutritional deficiencies.
⚠Failing to document that vitamin deficiency recurs when supplementation stops — this proves the chronic nature of the condition and the need for ongoing treatment.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by chronic vitamin deficiency, such as peripheral neuropathy (B12/thiamine), osteoporosis (vitamin D), or depression (B vitamins, D).
⚠Overlooking malabsorption as the underlying cause — if a service-connected GI condition is causing the vitamin deficiency, the avitaminosis should be filed as a secondary claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases — Nutritional Deficiencies

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Avitaminosis (Vitamin Deficiency Disease)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6313

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Severe peripheral neuropathy causing gait disturbance or hand dysfunction
Pathologic fractures from vitamin D deficiency
Severe dermatitis resistant to treatment
Cardiac dysfunction from thiamine deficiency (wet beriberi)
Significant functional impairment affecting employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting vitamin deficiency to military service — combat deployments, field rations, and limited dietary options during service are well-documented causes of nutritional deficiencies.

⚠Failing to document that vitamin deficiency recurs when supplementation stops — this proves the chronic nature of the condition and the need for ongoing treatment.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by chronic vitamin deficiency, such as peripheral neuropathy (B12/thiamine), osteoporosis (vitamin D), or depression (B vitamins, D).

⚠Overlooking malabsorption as the underlying cause — if a service-connected GI condition is causing the vitamin deficiency, the avitaminosis should be filed as a secondary claim.