Fatty Liver Disease

DC 7345Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7345

A condition where too much fat builds up in your liver, which can lead to inflammation and damage. The VA rates fatty liver disease based on your symptoms and how much the condition affects your daily life.

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 7345

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7345. 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 near-constant debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain.

What the VA looks for

Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Inability to maintain employment
Severe liver dysfunction on lab work
Progression toward cirrhosis documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting regular liver function tests and imaging (ultrasound or FibroScan) to document disease progression.
⚠Not connecting fatty liver to medications used for service-connected conditions or to metabolic conditions like diabetes.
⚠Not documenting how fatigue and malaise affect your daily functioning and work — the rating depends on symptom severity.
⚠Fatty liver can progress to cirrhosis — if it does, request re-evaluation under DC 7312 for a potentially higher rating.