Leishmaniasis

DC 6301Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6301

A parasitic disease spread by sandfly bites that can cause skin sores, organ damage, or both. Many veterans were exposed in the Middle East. The VA rates leishmaniasis based on the type and severity of your symptoms.

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 6301

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6301. 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 visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) with significant organ damage affecting your liver, spleen, or bone marrow.

What the VA looks for

Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) documented
Hepatosplenomegaly on imaging
Pancytopenia (low blood counts)
Significant weight loss
Major limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting your deployment location to sandfly exposure — provide unit deployment records showing service in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other endemic regions.
⚠Failing to photograph and document skin lesions while active — photos with dates are powerful evidence.
⚠Not claiming disfiguring scars separately — cutaneous leishmaniasis scars, especially on the face, can be rated under the skin disfigurement codes (DC 7800).
⚠Not pursuing a biopsy for definitive diagnosis — the VA strongly favors tissue confirmation over clinical suspicion alone.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

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 6301

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) with significant organ damage affecting your liver, spleen, or bone marrow.

What the VA looks for

Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) documented
Hepatosplenomegaly on imaging
Pancytopenia (low blood counts)
Significant weight loss
Major limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting your deployment location to sandfly exposure — provide unit deployment records showing service in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other endemic regions.

⚠Failing to photograph and document skin lesions while active — photos with dates are powerful evidence.

⚠Not claiming disfiguring scars separately — cutaneous leishmaniasis scars, especially on the face, can be rated under the skin disfigurement codes (DC 7800).

⚠Not pursuing a biopsy for definitive diagnosis — the VA strongly favors tissue confirmation over clinical suspicion alone.