Campylobacter Infection Residuals

DC 6354Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6354

Lasting digestive and joint problems after a campylobacter bacterial infection, often from contaminated food or water during deployment. Common residuals include irritable bowel syndrome and reactive arthritis.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6354

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6354. 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 moderate lasting effects from campylobacter infection with chronic irritable bowel syndrome, reactive arthritis, or both, that limit your daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Chronic post-infectious IBS with frequent symptoms
Reactive arthritis affecting multiple joints
Ongoing medication required for symptom management
Moderate limitation of daily activities
Work absences due to symptoms

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not preserving the original stool culture results — campylobacter is often diagnosed during an acute episode and never documented again, so keep those lab results.
⚠Failing to connect post-infectious IBS to the original campylobacter infection — studies show a clear link, but you need a doctor to document this connection.
⚠Not claiming reactive arthritis as a secondary condition — campylobacter is a well-known trigger of reactive arthritis, and joint problems can be rated separately.
⚠Assuming that because the infection cleared, there are no lasting effects — post-infectious functional bowel disorders are common and compensable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →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 6354

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have moderate lasting effects from campylobacter infection with chronic irritable bowel syndrome, reactive arthritis, or both, that limit your daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Chronic post-infectious IBS with frequent symptoms
Reactive arthritis affecting multiple joints
Ongoing medication required for symptom management
Moderate limitation of daily activities
Work absences due to symptoms

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not preserving the original stool culture results — campylobacter is often diagnosed during an acute episode and never documented again, so keep those lab results.

⚠Failing to connect post-infectious IBS to the original campylobacter infection — studies show a clear link, but you need a doctor to document this connection.

⚠Not claiming reactive arthritis as a secondary condition — campylobacter is a well-known trigger of reactive arthritis, and joint problems can be rated separately.

⚠Assuming that because the infection cleared, there are no lasting effects — post-infectious functional bowel disorders are common and compensable.