Malaria

DC 6304Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6304

A parasitic disease spread by mosquito bites that causes recurring fevers, chills, and sweats. The VA rates malaria as active disease or based on lasting damage to your liver, spleen, or other organs.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6304

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6304. 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 malaria confirmed by blood smear showing malarial parasites. Active malaria is rated at 100% during the active disease and for the period of treatment.

What the VA looks for

Positive blood smear for malarial parasites
Active symptoms (cyclic fevers, chills, sweats)
Current treatment for active malaria
Service in malaria-endemic area

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not preserving blood smear evidence from active episodes — the VA requires identification of malarial parasites in blood smears for diagnosis, so get tested during symptoms.
⚠Not claiming residuals after malaria resolves — spleen enlargement, liver damage, anemia, and chronic fatigue can all be rated as secondary conditions.
⚠Not documenting service in a malaria-endemic area — this supports your claim even if original blood smears are unavailable.
⚠Assuming one negative blood smear rules out malaria — parasites may not be detectable between relapse episodes.

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 6304

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have active malaria confirmed by blood smear showing malarial parasites. Active malaria is rated at 100% during the active disease and for the period of treatment.

What the VA looks for

Positive blood smear for malarial parasites
Active symptoms (cyclic fevers, chills, sweats)
Current treatment for active malaria
Service in malaria-endemic area

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not preserving blood smear evidence from active episodes — the VA requires identification of malarial parasites in blood smears for diagnosis, so get tested during symptoms.

⚠Not claiming residuals after malaria resolves — spleen enlargement, liver damage, anemia, and chronic fatigue can all be rated as secondary conditions.

⚠Not documenting service in a malaria-endemic area — this supports your claim even if original blood smears are unavailable.

⚠Assuming one negative blood smear rules out malaria — parasites may not be detectable between relapse episodes.