Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Residuals

DC 6350Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6350

Lasting effects from a shingles outbreak, most commonly postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that persists after the rash heals). The VA rates shingles residuals based on nerve pain severity, scarring, and impact on daily life.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 6350

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6350. 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 postherpetic neuralgia with constant pain that significantly limits your ability to work and perform daily activities, even with treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe constant nerve pain
Multiple pain medications or nerve blocks required
Major limitation of daily activities
Significant impact on employment
Complications such as vision loss (ophthalmic zoster)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming postherpetic neuralgia as a nerve condition — the nerve pain from shingles can also be rated under the neurological diagnostic codes (DC 8510-8530) if a specific nerve is involved.
⚠Not documenting the shingles episode during service — photos of the rash, medical records, and buddy statements all help prove the in-service event.
⚠Failing to describe the impact of chronic nerve pain on sleep, work, and daily activities — a pain diary is valuable evidence.
⚠Not claiming ophthalmic zoster (shingles in the eye) complications separately — vision loss and eye damage have their own rating codes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases
DBQ Peripheral Nerves

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6350

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe postherpetic neuralgia with constant pain that significantly limits your ability to work and perform daily activities, even with treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe constant nerve pain
Multiple pain medications or nerve blocks required
Major limitation of daily activities
Significant impact on employment
Complications such as vision loss (ophthalmic zoster)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming postherpetic neuralgia as a nerve condition — the nerve pain from shingles can also be rated under the neurological diagnostic codes (DC 8510-8530) if a specific nerve is involved.

⚠Not documenting the shingles episode during service — photos of the rash, medical records, and buddy statements all help prove the in-service event.

⚠Failing to describe the impact of chronic nerve pain on sleep, work, and daily activities — a pain diary is valuable evidence.

⚠Not claiming ophthalmic zoster (shingles in the eye) complications separately — vision loss and eye damage have their own rating codes.