Distomiasis (Intestinal Fluke)

DC 7324Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7324

A parasitic infection caused by liver or intestinal flukes (trematodes), typically contracted through consumption of contaminated freshwater fish or plants in tropical regions. The VA rates distomiasis based on the severity of symptoms, organ involvement, and impact on overall health.

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 7324

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7324. 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 distomiasis with significant liver damage, marked malnutrition, or serious complications such as biliary obstruction, cholangitis, or liver abscess.

What the VA looks for

Significant liver damage on imaging
Marked malnutrition and weight loss
Biliary obstruction or cholangitis
Liver abscess documented
Hospitalizations for complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the geographic exposure — service records showing deployment to Southeast Asia, East Asia, or other endemic regions are essential for establishing how the infection was contracted.
⚠Not preserving stool and blood test results — ova and parasite testing, eosinophil counts, and fluke-specific antibody tests are the objective evidence the VA needs.
⚠Not documenting liver involvement — hepatic distomiasis can cause significant liver damage. Liver function tests and imaging showing biliary changes support a higher rating.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic distomiasis can cause cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), cirrhosis, and chronic hepatitis, each warranting separate evaluation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Intestinal Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Distomiasis (Intestinal Fluke)

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 7324

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe distomiasis with significant liver damage, marked malnutrition, or serious complications such as biliary obstruction, cholangitis, or liver abscess.

What the VA looks for

Significant liver damage on imaging
Marked malnutrition and weight loss
Biliary obstruction or cholangitis
Liver abscess documented
Hospitalizations for complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the geographic exposure — service records showing deployment to Southeast Asia, East Asia, or other endemic regions are essential for establishing how the infection was contracted.

⚠Not preserving stool and blood test results — ova and parasite testing, eosinophil counts, and fluke-specific antibody tests are the objective evidence the VA needs.

⚠Not documenting liver involvement — hepatic distomiasis can cause significant liver damage. Liver function tests and imaging showing biliary changes support a higher rating.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic distomiasis can cause cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), cirrhosis, and chronic hepatitis, each warranting separate evaluation.