Brucellosis

DC 6308Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6308

A bacterial infection that causes recurring fevers, sweating, joint pain, and fatigue. Veterans may contract brucellosis from contaminated food, water, or animal contact during deployment. The VA rates it based on active disease or lasting damage.

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 6308

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6308. 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 brucellosis with severe recurring symptoms and serious organ damage. Your daily life is significantly limited.

What the VA looks for

Severe joint destruction or spondylitis
Significant organ damage (liver, spleen, heart)
Major limitation of daily activities
Frequent hospitalizations
Unable to maintain regular employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting deployment to areas where brucellosis is endemic (Middle East, Central Asia, Africa) — this establishes how you were exposed.
⚠Failing to get serial brucella antibody titers — rising or persistently elevated titers help prove ongoing active infection.
⚠Not claiming secondary joint, liver, or cardiac conditions separately — brucellosis residuals in each organ system can be rated individually.
⚠Assuming the infection is gone after one course of antibiotics — brucellosis can relapse, and documentation of each relapse supports a higher rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6308

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have brucellosis with severe recurring symptoms and serious organ damage. Your daily life is significantly limited.

What the VA looks for

Severe joint destruction or spondylitis
Significant organ damage (liver, spleen, heart)
Major limitation of daily activities
Frequent hospitalizations
Unable to maintain regular employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting deployment to areas where brucellosis is endemic (Middle East, Central Asia, Africa) — this establishes how you were exposed.

⚠Failing to get serial brucella antibody titers — rising or persistently elevated titers help prove ongoing active infection.

⚠Not claiming secondary joint, liver, or cardiac conditions separately — brucellosis residuals in each organ system can be rated individually.

⚠Assuming the infection is gone after one course of antibiotics — brucellosis can relapse, and documentation of each relapse supports a higher rating.