Filariasis

DC 6310Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6310

A parasitic disease caused by thread-like filarial worms transmitted by mosquito bites in tropical regions. The worms damage the lymphatic system, causing progressive swelling (lymphedema) that can become severely disfiguring (elephantiasis). Filariasis can also affect the lungs, kidneys, and other organs. The VA rates this condition based on the severity of lymphedema and organ involvement.

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 6310

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6310. 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 elephantiasis with massive, irreversible limb swelling causing major disability, chronic non-healing skin breakdown, recurrent life-threatening infections, or multi-organ involvement preventing you from working or caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Massive irreversible limb swelling (elephantiasis)
Chronic skin ulceration or non-healing wounds
Recurrent hospitalizations for secondary infections
Severe mobility impairment from limb enlargement
Inability to maintain employment or perform daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting deployment to tropical endemic areas (Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Central Africa) where mosquito-borne filarial transmission occurred.
⚠Failing to get lymphoscintigraphy or ultrasound to document lymphatic damage — clinical measurement of limb circumference alone may not capture the full extent of lymphatic dysfunction.
⚠Not filing for hydrocele separately under the genitourinary system — filarial hydrocele is a common complication that can be rated separately.
⚠Overlooking secondary conditions such as depression from disfigurement, chronic pain, recurrent skin infections, and mobility limitations that each warrant separate claims.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

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Condition Rating Guides

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Filariasis

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 6310

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Massive irreversible limb swelling (elephantiasis)
Chronic skin ulceration or non-healing wounds
Recurrent hospitalizations for secondary infections
Severe mobility impairment from limb enlargement
Inability to maintain employment or perform daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting deployment to tropical endemic areas (Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Central Africa) where mosquito-borne filarial transmission occurred.

⚠Failing to get lymphoscintigraphy or ultrasound to document lymphatic damage — clinical measurement of limb circumference alone may not capture the full extent of lymphatic dysfunction.

⚠Not filing for hydrocele separately under the genitourinary system — filarial hydrocele is a common complication that can be rated separately.

⚠Overlooking secondary conditions such as depression from disfigurement, chronic pain, recurrent skin infections, and mobility limitations that each warrant separate claims.