Histoplasmosis

DC 6320Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88c, DC 6320

A fungal infection caused by breathing in spores from soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. It can cause lasting lung damage. The VA rates histoplasmosis based on active disease or residual organ damage.

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 6320

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88c, DC 6320. 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 active, disseminated histoplasmosis that is not responding to treatment. You cannot work or care for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Active disseminated histoplasmosis confirmed by culture or biopsy
Multiple organ involvement (liver, spleen, bone marrow)
Refractory to antifungal treatment
Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Unable to maintain employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting your service location to histoplasma exposure — the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, as well as Central America and Southeast Asia deployment areas, are endemic zones.
⚠Failing to distinguish calcified granulomas from active disease — old healed histoplasmosis shows calcified nodules on imaging, while active disease requires different evidence.
⚠Not getting pulmonary function tests — lung scarring and fibrosis from chronic histoplasmosis should be documented with PFTs to support a rating.
⚠Not claiming mediastinal fibrosis or adrenal insufficiency separately — these serious complications of histoplasmosis can each receive their own rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →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 6320

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have active, disseminated histoplasmosis that is not responding to treatment. You cannot work or care for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Active disseminated histoplasmosis confirmed by culture or biopsy
Multiple organ involvement (liver, spleen, bone marrow)
Refractory to antifungal treatment
Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Unable to maintain employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting your service location to histoplasma exposure — the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, as well as Central America and Southeast Asia deployment areas, are endemic zones.

⚠Failing to distinguish calcified granulomas from active disease — old healed histoplasmosis shows calcified nodules on imaging, while active disease requires different evidence.

⚠Not getting pulmonary function tests — lung scarring and fibrosis from chronic histoplasmosis should be documented with PFTs to support a rating.

⚠Not claiming mediastinal fibrosis or adrenal insufficiency separately — these serious complications of histoplasmosis can each receive their own rating.