Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Residuals

DC 6354Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6354

Lasting fatigue and immune problems after an Epstein-Barr virus infection (the virus that causes mono). Some veterans develop chronic fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and recurring sore throats that do not go away.

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 6354

Rating range

0% – 60%

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 severe chronic EBV symptoms with debilitating fatigue, immune dysfunction, and organ involvement that prevent you from working full time.

What the VA looks for

Debilitating chronic fatigue
Chronic active EBV infection with elevated viral loads
Hepatosplenomegaly or other organ involvement
Daily activities restricted to less than 50%
Significant impact on employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting EBV-specific serology with viral capsid antigen (VCA), early antigen (EA), and EBNA antibodies — the pattern of these markers helps distinguish past infection from chronic active infection.
⚠Failing to document the original mononucleosis diagnosis during service — service treatment records showing the acute infection establish the in-service event.
⚠Not distinguishing chronic active EBV from chronic fatigue syndrome — while they overlap, EBV-specific viral load testing and antibody patterns support the infectious disease diagnosis.
⚠Assuming that because "everyone has EBV" your claim is weak — chronic active EBV with ongoing symptoms is a distinct clinical condition that the VA can rate.

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% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe chronic EBV symptoms with debilitating fatigue, immune dysfunction, and organ involvement that prevent you from working full time.

What the VA looks for

Debilitating chronic fatigue
Chronic active EBV infection with elevated viral loads
Hepatosplenomegaly or other organ involvement
Daily activities restricted to less than 50%
Significant impact on employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting EBV-specific serology with viral capsid antigen (VCA), early antigen (EA), and EBNA antibodies — the pattern of these markers helps distinguish past infection from chronic active infection.

⚠Failing to document the original mononucleosis diagnosis during service — service treatment records showing the acute infection establish the in-service event.

⚠Not distinguishing chronic active EBV from chronic fatigue syndrome — while they overlap, EBV-specific viral load testing and antibody patterns support the infectious disease diagnosis.

⚠Assuming that because "everyone has EBV" your claim is weak — chronic active EBV with ongoing symptoms is a distinct clinical condition that the VA can rate.