Cholera Residuals

DC 6306Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6306

Lasting gastrointestinal problems following infection with Vibrio cholerae, a severe bacterial illness causing extreme watery diarrhea and dehydration. While the acute infection is usually self-limited with treatment, some veterans develop chronic GI dysfunction, malabsorption, or organ damage from the severe dehydration. The VA rates cholera residuals based on ongoing GI symptoms and functional impairment.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6306

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6306. 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 chronic GI dysfunction or organ damage from cholera with persistent diarrhea, significant weight loss, renal insufficiency, or other organ damage requiring ongoing medical management.

What the VA looks for

Persistent daily diarrhea resistant to treatment
Significant involuntary weight loss (greater than 10% baseline)
Chronic renal insufficiency requiring treatment
Multiple nutritional deficiencies despite supplementation
Inability to maintain adequate caloric intake

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting cholera to military service — cholera is common in deployment areas with poor sanitation, and a diagnosis during or shortly after deployment strongly supports service connection.
⚠Failing to document ongoing GI symptoms after the acute infection cleared — many veterans assume their gut issues are unrelated, but post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome is a recognized complication.
⚠Not getting tested for malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies — lab work showing low vitamins, electrolytes, or protein supports the severity of your GI residuals.
⚠Overlooking kidney damage from the severe dehydration episode — renal function testing should be part of your residuals evaluation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Cholera Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6306

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe chronic GI dysfunction or organ damage from cholera with persistent diarrhea, significant weight loss, renal insufficiency, or other organ damage requiring ongoing medical management.

What the VA looks for

Persistent daily diarrhea resistant to treatment
Significant involuntary weight loss (greater than 10% baseline)
Chronic renal insufficiency requiring treatment
Multiple nutritional deficiencies despite supplementation
Inability to maintain adequate caloric intake

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting cholera to military service — cholera is common in deployment areas with poor sanitation, and a diagnosis during or shortly after deployment strongly supports service connection.

⚠Failing to document ongoing GI symptoms after the acute infection cleared — many veterans assume their gut issues are unrelated, but post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome is a recognized complication.

⚠Not getting tested for malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies — lab work showing low vitamins, electrolytes, or protein supports the severity of your GI residuals.

⚠Overlooking kidney damage from the severe dehydration episode — renal function testing should be part of your residuals evaluation.