Liver Cirrhosis

DC 7312Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7312

Severe scarring of the liver that prevents it from working properly. The VA rates liver cirrhosis based on the severity of liver damage, symptoms, and complications like fluid buildup, bleeding, or confusion.

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 7312

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7312. 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 near-constant debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain.

What the VA looks for

Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Inability to maintain employment
Severe liver dysfunction on lab work
Multiple complications requiring ongoing treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all symptoms including fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice — each contributes to the rating.
⚠Not connecting cirrhosis to service-connected hepatitis C, alcohol use disorder, or fatty liver disease.
⚠Not tracking liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin, albumin) over time to show disease progression.
⚠Not documenting hospitalizations for complications like variceal bleeding, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy.