Plague Residuals

DC 6307Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6307

Lasting organ damage from infection with Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague. Plague can present as bubonic (lymph node swelling), septicemic (bloodstream infection), or pneumonic (lung infection) forms. While treatable with antibiotics, severe plague can cause permanent organ damage including lung scarring, lymphatic dysfunction, kidney damage, or neurological complications. The VA rates plague residuals based on which organ systems remain affected.

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 6307

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6307. 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 devastating organ damage from plague with end-stage lung disease, renal failure, or severe multi-organ dysfunction preventing self-care and employment.

What the VA looks for

End-stage pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen
End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
Severe multi-organ dysfunction
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Total occupational impairment from combined residuals

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the original plague infection during service — military records, deployment health records, and public health notifications of plague cases in your area all support the in-service event.
⚠Failing to get comprehensive organ function testing — plague can damage lungs, kidneys, liver, and the nervous system, and each organ system should be evaluated even years after the initial infection.
⚠Not filing for each affected organ system separately — lung damage, kidney damage, lymphedema, and neurological residuals can each be rated under their respective body system codes in addition to the infectious disease code.
⚠Assuming full recovery means no residuals — subclinical organ damage from septicemic plague may not produce obvious symptoms but can be detected on PFTs, renal function panels, and imaging.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

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Condition Rating Guides

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Plague Residuals

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 6307

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have devastating organ damage from plague with end-stage lung disease, renal failure, or severe multi-organ dysfunction preventing self-care and employment.

What the VA looks for

End-stage pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen
End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
Severe multi-organ dysfunction
Inability to perform activities of daily living
Total occupational impairment from combined residuals

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the original plague infection during service — military records, deployment health records, and public health notifications of plague cases in your area all support the in-service event.

⚠Failing to get comprehensive organ function testing — plague can damage lungs, kidneys, liver, and the nervous system, and each organ system should be evaluated even years after the initial infection.

⚠Not filing for each affected organ system separately — lung damage, kidney damage, lymphedema, and neurological residuals can each be rated under their respective body system codes in addition to the infectious disease code.

⚠Assuming full recovery means no residuals — subclinical organ damage from septicemic plague may not produce obvious symptoms but can be detected on PFTs, renal function panels, and imaging.