Chronic Cryptosporidiosis

DC 6302Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6302

A parasitic infection from Cryptosporidium that causes chronic watery diarrhea, dehydration, and poor nutrient absorption. It is spread through contaminated water, which is common in deployment environments. The VA rates chronic cryptosporidiosis based on ongoing diarrhea, weight loss, and nutritional impact.

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 6302

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6302. 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 including chronic diarrhea that affects daily activities, significant malabsorption causing nutritional deficiencies, or notable weight loss.

What the VA looks for

Chronic diarrhea multiple times daily
Significant weight loss (greater than 10% baseline)
Documented nutritional deficiencies (vitamins, minerals)
Impact on work and daily activities from frequent bowel movements
Need for nutritional supplements or medical nutrition therapy

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting exposure to contaminated water during deployment — many military water sources in deployed environments carry Cryptosporidium, and deployment records establish the in-service event.
⚠Failing to get stool testing specifically for Cryptosporidium — standard stool cultures may miss it, so request modified acid-fast staining or PCR testing.
⚠Not tracking weight and nutritional labs over time — chronic malabsorption from intestinal damage causes deficiencies that are measurable and support a higher rating.
⚠Assuming diarrhea after deployment is "just IBS" — if you had documented cryptosporidiosis during service, ongoing GI symptoms should be connected to the parasitic infection.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Chronic Cryptosporidiosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6302

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have moderate lasting effects including chronic diarrhea that affects daily activities, significant malabsorption causing nutritional deficiencies, or notable weight loss.

What the VA looks for

Chronic diarrhea multiple times daily
Significant weight loss (greater than 10% baseline)
Documented nutritional deficiencies (vitamins, minerals)
Impact on work and daily activities from frequent bowel movements
Need for nutritional supplements or medical nutrition therapy

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting exposure to contaminated water during deployment — many military water sources in deployed environments carry Cryptosporidium, and deployment records establish the in-service event.

⚠Failing to get stool testing specifically for Cryptosporidium — standard stool cultures may miss it, so request modified acid-fast staining or PCR testing.

⚠Not tracking weight and nutritional labs over time — chronic malabsorption from intestinal damage causes deficiencies that are measurable and support a higher rating.

⚠Assuming diarrhea after deployment is "just IBS" — if you had documented cryptosporidiosis during service, ongoing GI symptoms should be connected to the parasitic infection.