Nontyphoid Salmonella Infection Residuals

DC 6354Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6354

Lasting effects after a nontyphoid Salmonella infection, usually from contaminated food or water during deployment. The best-recognized long-term effect is reactive arthritis, and post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome is also common.

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 6354

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6354. 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 moderate lasting effects with chronic irritable bowel syndrome, reactive arthritis, or both, that limit your daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Chronic post-infectious IBS with frequent symptoms
Reactive arthritis affecting one or more joints
Ongoing medication for symptom management
Moderate limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not preserving the original stool culture results — Salmonella is usually documented only during the acute episode, so keep those lab results.
⚠Failing to link reactive arthritis to the infection — nontyphoid Salmonella is a recognized trigger under 38 CFR 3.317(d), but you need a medical opinion connecting them.
⚠Assuming the cleared infection left no residuals — post-infectious bowel disorders and reactive arthritis are common and compensable.
⚠Missing the 3.317(d) three-month window for reactive arthritis — document when joint symptoms began relative to the infection.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Nontyphoid Salmonella Infection Residuals or rated under the same body system.

Reactive Arthritis / Reiter Syndrome

DC 5009·Musculoskeletal·Possible secondary

HIV-Related Illness

DC 6351·Infectious Diseases

Tuberculosis, Pulmonary (Active)

DC 6731·Infectious Diseases

Tuberculosis, Pulmonary (Inactive)

DC 6731·Infectious Diseases

Malaria

DC 6304·Infectious Diseases

Lyme Disease

DC 6319·Infectious Diseases

Brucellosis

DC 6308·Infectious Diseases

Leishmaniasis

DC 6301·Infectious Diseases

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6354

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have moderate lasting effects with chronic irritable bowel syndrome, reactive arthritis, or both, that limit your daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Chronic post-infectious IBS with frequent symptoms
Reactive arthritis affecting one or more joints
Ongoing medication for symptom management
Moderate limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not preserving the original stool culture results — Salmonella is usually documented only during the acute episode, so keep those lab results.

⚠Failing to link reactive arthritis to the infection — nontyphoid Salmonella is a recognized trigger under 38 CFR 3.317(d), but you need a medical opinion connecting them.

⚠Assuming the cleared infection left no residuals — post-infectious bowel disorders and reactive arthritis are common and compensable.

⚠Missing the 3.317(d) three-month window for reactive arthritis — document when joint symptoms began relative to the infection.