Chagas Disease Residuals

DC 6399-6304Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6399-6304

Lasting damage from infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite spread by kissing bugs in Central and South America. Chagas disease can damage the heart and digestive tract years after the initial infection, causing heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty swallowing. The VA rates residuals based on which organs are affected and how much they limit your daily life.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 6399-6304

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6399-6304. 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 life-threatening Chagas disease complications with end-stage heart failure, chronic debilitating symptoms, and inability to perform daily self-care.

What the VA looks for

End-stage chagasic cardiomyopathy
Chronic congestive heart failure with recurrent hospitalizations
Workload of 3 METs or less on stress testing
Consideration for heart transplant
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Total disability from cardiac or multi-organ involvement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting tested for Chagas disease — many veterans deployed to Central and South America were never screened, and the disease can remain silent for decades before causing organ damage.
⚠Failing to document deployment to endemic areas — Central America, South America, and parts of Mexico are where kissing bugs transmit the parasite.
⚠Not requesting cardiac-specific testing — echocardiogram, Holter monitor, and EKG are essential for detecting early chagasic cardiomyopathy before symptoms appear.
⚠Overlooking GI involvement — Chagas disease can cause megaesophagus and megacolon that are separately ratable under the digestive system.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — heart failure from Chagas disease commonly causes depression, fatigue, and exercise intolerance.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Chagas Disease Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6399-6304

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have life-threatening Chagas disease complications with end-stage heart failure, chronic debilitating symptoms, and inability to perform daily self-care.

What the VA looks for

End-stage chagasic cardiomyopathy
Chronic congestive heart failure with recurrent hospitalizations
Workload of 3 METs or less on stress testing
Consideration for heart transplant
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Total disability from cardiac or multi-organ involvement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting tested for Chagas disease — many veterans deployed to Central and South America were never screened, and the disease can remain silent for decades before causing organ damage.

⚠Failing to document deployment to endemic areas — Central America, South America, and parts of Mexico are where kissing bugs transmit the parasite.

⚠Not requesting cardiac-specific testing — echocardiogram, Holter monitor, and EKG are essential for detecting early chagasic cardiomyopathy before symptoms appear.

⚠Overlooking GI involvement — Chagas disease can cause megaesophagus and megacolon that are separately ratable under the digestive system.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — heart failure from Chagas disease commonly causes depression, fatigue, and exercise intolerance.