Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Residuals

DC 6350Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6350

Lasting effects from an MRSA infection, a type of staph bacteria that is hard to treat with common antibiotics. Veterans often contract MRSA in military hospitals or barracks. The VA rates MRSA residuals based on recurring infections and lasting damage.

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 6350

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6350. 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 MRSA with serious complications such as bone infection (osteomyelitis), septic joints, or organ involvement. Your daily life is significantly limited by recurring infections.

What the VA looks for

MRSA osteomyelitis or septic arthritis
Organ involvement (endocarditis, pneumonia)
Major limitation of daily activities
Frequent hospitalizations for MRSA complications
Bone or joint destruction documented on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting cultures during each recurrence — the VA needs laboratory proof that your infections are MRSA, not just a clinical suspicion of skin infection.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions such as scarring, bone infections (osteomyelitis), or septic arthritis as separate conditions — each can be rated independently.
⚠Failing to document the in-service MRSA infection — military medical records, hospitalization records, and buddy statements about barracks or hospital conditions support your claim.
⚠Not understanding that MRSA colonization (carrying the bacteria) is different from active infection — the VA rates active disease and residuals, not colonization alone.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases
DBQ Skin Diseases

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6350

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have MRSA with serious complications such as bone infection (osteomyelitis), septic joints, or organ involvement. Your daily life is significantly limited by recurring infections.

What the VA looks for

MRSA osteomyelitis or septic arthritis
Organ involvement (endocarditis, pneumonia)
Major limitation of daily activities
Frequent hospitalizations for MRSA complications
Bone or joint destruction documented on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting cultures during each recurrence — the VA needs laboratory proof that your infections are MRSA, not just a clinical suspicion of skin infection.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions such as scarring, bone infections (osteomyelitis), or septic arthritis as separate conditions — each can be rated independently.

⚠Failing to document the in-service MRSA infection — military medical records, hospitalization records, and buddy statements about barracks or hospital conditions support your claim.

⚠Not understanding that MRSA colonization (carrying the bacteria) is different from active infection — the VA rates active disease and residuals, not colonization alone.