Hepatitis C

DC 7354Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7354

A viral infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. The VA rates hepatitis C based on your symptoms, the treatment required, and how the condition affects your ability to function.

Rating Levels

Your hepatitis C causes near-constant debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain.

What the VA looks for

Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Inability to maintain employment
Severe liver damage documented
Ongoing treatment with limited response

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting incapacitating episodes — keep a record of every episode that required bed rest and physician treatment, including dates and duration.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by hepatitis C treatment or the disease itself, such as depression, fatigue-related conditions, or liver complications.
⚠Veterans who contracted hepatitis C through in-service risk factors (jet injectors, blood transfusions, combat medic duties) should document those exposures clearly.
⚠Not requesting re-evaluation if the condition worsens after initial rating, especially if treatment causes new side effects.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Liver Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Rating Levels

Your hepatitis C causes near-constant debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain.

What the VA looks for

Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Inability to maintain employment
Severe liver damage documented
Ongoing treatment with limited response

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting incapacitating episodes — keep a record of every episode that required bed rest and physician treatment, including dates and duration.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by hepatitis C treatment or the disease itself, such as depression, fatigue-related conditions, or liver complications.

⚠Veterans who contracted hepatitis C through in-service risk factors (jet injectors, blood transfusions, combat medic duties) should document those exposures clearly.

⚠Not requesting re-evaluation if the condition worsens after initial rating, especially if treatment causes new side effects.