Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

DC 6320Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88c, DC 6320

A fungal infection caused by breathing in spores from desert soil. It is common at military bases in the southwestern United States. The VA rates valley fever based on active disease or lasting lung and organ 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 6320

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88c, DC 6320. 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 active, disseminated valley fever that is not responding to treatment. The infection has spread to multiple organs and you cannot work or care for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Active disseminated coccidioidomycosis confirmed by culture or biopsy
Meningeal involvement (coccidioidal meningitis)
Refractory to antifungal treatment
Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Unable to maintain employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting your service location to valley fever exposure — document that you were stationed at or trained at bases in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, or west Texas where the fungus is endemic.
⚠Failing to get follow-up chest imaging after treatment — residual lung nodules, cavities, and scarring are compensable even after the active infection clears.
⚠Not claiming disseminated disease separately — if valley fever spread to your bones, joints, skin, or brain, each affected body system may be rated individually.
⚠Assuming a positive skin test alone proves active disease — the VA needs serology, culture, or imaging to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6320

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have active, disseminated valley fever that is not responding to treatment. The infection has spread to multiple organs and you cannot work or care for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Active disseminated coccidioidomycosis confirmed by culture or biopsy
Meningeal involvement (coccidioidal meningitis)
Refractory to antifungal treatment
Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Unable to maintain employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting your service location to valley fever exposure — document that you were stationed at or trained at bases in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, or west Texas where the fungus is endemic.

⚠Failing to get follow-up chest imaging after treatment — residual lung nodules, cavities, and scarring are compensable even after the active infection clears.

⚠Not claiming disseminated disease separately — if valley fever spread to your bones, joints, skin, or brain, each affected body system may be rated individually.

⚠Assuming a positive skin test alone proves active disease — the VA needs serology, culture, or imaging to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity.