Chronic Hepatitis D

DC 7345Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.114, DC 7345

A liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus, which only occurs in people who also have hepatitis B. Hepatitis D can cause more severe liver damage than hepatitis B alone. The VA rates it based on liver function tests, symptoms, and how much treatment you need.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

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 severe chronic hepatitis D with near-constant debilitating symptoms such as extreme fatigue, significant weight loss, and liver failure that prevents you from caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Liver cirrhosis or liver failure
Ascites, varices, or hepatic encephalopathy
Inability to perform self-care or work
Consideration for liver transplant
Albumin, INR, and bilirubin showing synthetic dysfunction

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not testing specifically for hepatitis D — many veterans with hepatitis B are never tested for hepatitis D coinfection, which causes more severe liver disease and supports a higher rating.
⚠Failing to document liver function test trends over time — serial ALT, AST, bilirubin, and albumin results show disease progression and are essential for accurate rating.
⚠Not filing hepatitis D separately from hepatitis B — while they coexist, the more severe liver damage from dual infection should be documented for maximum rating.
⚠Overlooking secondary conditions — hepatitis D can cause liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, depression, and fatigue that may be rated independently.

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…

Chronic Hepatitis D

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7345

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe chronic hepatitis D with near-constant debilitating symptoms such as extreme fatigue, significant weight loss, and liver failure that prevents you from caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Liver cirrhosis or liver failure
Ascites, varices, or hepatic encephalopathy
Inability to perform self-care or work
Consideration for liver transplant
Albumin, INR, and bilirubin showing synthetic dysfunction

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not testing specifically for hepatitis D — many veterans with hepatitis B are never tested for hepatitis D coinfection, which causes more severe liver disease and supports a higher rating.

⚠Failing to document liver function test trends over time — serial ALT, AST, bilirubin, and albumin results show disease progression and are essential for accurate rating.

⚠Not filing hepatitis D separately from hepatitis B — while they coexist, the more severe liver damage from dual infection should be documented for maximum rating.

⚠Overlooking secondary conditions — hepatitis D can cause liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, depression, and fatigue that may be rated independently.