Post-COVID Condition (Long COVID)

DC 6354Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6354 (analogous)

Lasting symptoms after a COVID-19 infection that continue for months. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and body aches. The VA rates long COVID under the chronic fatigue syndrome criteria or by each specific residual condition.

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 6354

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6354 (analogous). 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 constant, severe post-COVID symptoms that prevent you from working or caring for yourself. Your daily life is almost completely restricted.

What the VA looks for

Near-total restriction of daily activities
Occasional inability to perform self-care
Cannot maintain gainful employment
Multiple organ systems affected (lungs, heart, brain)
Debilitating post-exertional malaise
Documented progression over time

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the initial COVID-19 infection with a positive test result — get copies of your PCR or antigen test, and if unavailable, a doctor can document clinical diagnosis.
⚠Filing only under CFS criteria when you have specific organ damage — post-COVID lung scarring, heart inflammation, and neurological conditions should each be claimed separately for potentially higher combined ratings.
⚠Not maintaining a detailed symptom log comparing your current abilities to your pre-COVID baseline — this comparison is central to the rating criteria.
⚠Waiting too long to file — document your symptoms as soon as they persist beyond the acute infection so there is a clear medical timeline.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
DBQ Respiratory Conditions
DBQ Heart Conditions

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…

Post-COVID Condition (Long COVID)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6354

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have constant, severe post-COVID symptoms that prevent you from working or caring for yourself. Your daily life is almost completely restricted.

What the VA looks for

Near-total restriction of daily activities
Occasional inability to perform self-care
Cannot maintain gainful employment
Multiple organ systems affected (lungs, heart, brain)
Debilitating post-exertional malaise
Documented progression over time

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the initial COVID-19 infection with a positive test result — get copies of your PCR or antigen test, and if unavailable, a doctor can document clinical diagnosis.

⚠Filing only under CFS criteria when you have specific organ damage — post-COVID lung scarring, heart inflammation, and neurological conditions should each be claimed separately for potentially higher combined ratings.

⚠Not maintaining a detailed symptom log comparing your current abilities to your pre-COVID baseline — this comparison is central to the rating criteria.

⚠Waiting too long to file — document your symptoms as soon as they persist beyond the acute infection so there is a clear medical timeline.