New World Leishmaniasis

DC 6303Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6303

A parasitic infection caused by Leishmania species transmitted by sandfly bites, common in Central and South America and parts of the Middle East. New World leishmaniasis can cause skin ulcers (cutaneous), mucous membrane destruction (mucocutaneous), or life-threatening organ involvement (visceral). The VA rates this condition based on the type and severity of residual skin, mucosal, or visceral damage.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6303

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6303. 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 visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) with major organ damage, life-threatening complications, or extensive mucocutaneous destruction causing inability to eat, breathe normally, or care for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Severe hepatosplenomegaly with organ dysfunction
Severe pancytopenia requiring transfusions
Extensive facial tissue destruction requiring reconstructive surgery
Inability to eat or breathe normally
Recurrent infections due to immune compromise

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting deployment to endemic areas (Iraq, Afghanistan, Central/South America) where sandfly exposure occurred — deployment records and buddy statements can establish the in-service event.
⚠Failing to get species-specific testing — different Leishmania species cause different forms of disease, and mucocutaneous forms can develop months or years after the initial skin lesion healed.
⚠Not filing for disfigurement separately under 38 CFR 4.118 — facial scarring from cutaneous leishmaniasis can qualify for additional compensation under scar rating criteria.
⚠Overlooking secondary conditions such as depression from disfigurement, chronic pain at scar sites, or nasal obstruction requiring separate rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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New World Leishmaniasis

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6303

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Severe hepatosplenomegaly with organ dysfunction
Severe pancytopenia requiring transfusions
Extensive facial tissue destruction requiring reconstructive surgery
Inability to eat or breathe normally
Recurrent infections due to immune compromise

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting deployment to endemic areas (Iraq, Afghanistan, Central/South America) where sandfly exposure occurred — deployment records and buddy statements can establish the in-service event.

⚠Failing to get species-specific testing — different Leishmania species cause different forms of disease, and mucocutaneous forms can develop months or years after the initial skin lesion healed.

⚠Not filing for disfigurement separately under 38 CFR 4.118 — facial scarring from cutaneous leishmaniasis can qualify for additional compensation under scar rating criteria.

⚠Overlooking secondary conditions such as depression from disfigurement, chronic pain at scar sites, or nasal obstruction requiring separate rating.