Meningococcal Infection Residuals

DC 6305Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6305

Lasting effects from a serious bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining. Residuals can include hearing loss, seizures, cognitive problems, and limb amputations. The VA rates the lasting damage to each affected body system.

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 6305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6305. 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 lasting effects from meningococcal infection with major neurological damage, significant hearing loss, or other serious organ damage.

What the VA looks for

Severe sensorineural hearing loss
Frequent or uncontrolled seizures
Significant cognitive impairment
Loss of limb function from septic complications
Major limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming each residual condition separately — hearing loss, seizures, cognitive impairment, and scarring from skin necrosis can each receive their own rating.
⚠Not getting baseline cognitive testing after recovery — subtle brain damage from meningitis may not be obvious but shows up on neuropsychological testing.
⚠Failing to connect current hearing loss to the in-service meningococcal episode — get an audiologist to document the relationship.
⚠Not requesting service medical records showing the acute infection — hospitalization records from the meningitis episode are the foundation of your claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases
DBQ Central Nervous System 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…

Meningococcal Infection Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe lasting effects from meningococcal infection with major neurological damage, significant hearing loss, or other serious organ damage.

What the VA looks for

Severe sensorineural hearing loss
Frequent or uncontrolled seizures
Significant cognitive impairment
Loss of limb function from septic complications
Major limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming each residual condition separately — hearing loss, seizures, cognitive impairment, and scarring from skin necrosis can each receive their own rating.

⚠Not getting baseline cognitive testing after recovery — subtle brain damage from meningitis may not be obvious but shows up on neuropsychological testing.

⚠Failing to connect current hearing loss to the in-service meningococcal episode — get an audiologist to document the relationship.

⚠Not requesting service medical records showing the acute infection — hospitalization records from the meningitis episode are the foundation of your claim.