RMSF Residuals

DC 6305Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6305

Lasting health problems from Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a serious tick-borne illness that can damage blood vessels throughout the body. RMSF can leave permanent damage to the brain, kidneys, heart, and limbs. The VA rates residuals based on which organs were damaged and how much the damage limits your daily life.

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 6305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6305. 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 lasting effects from RMSF such as major neurological damage, limb amputation from vascular damage, severe kidney disease, or multiple organ systems affected.

What the VA looks for

Major neurological impairment (paralysis, severe cognitive deficits)
Digit or limb amputation from vascular necrosis
Severe chronic kidney disease
Multiple organ systems with residual damage
Significant disability requiring assistance with daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting tick exposure during military service — field training, deployments, and duty stations in tick-endemic areas (southeastern US, wooded areas) establish the in-service event.
⚠Failing to file separate claims for each organ system damaged — neurological, renal, vascular, and hearing damage should each be claimed independently for maximum combined rating.
⚠Not getting comprehensive testing for late residuals — kidney function, neurological examination, hearing tests, and cognitive screening can reveal damage years after the acute infection.
⚠Assuming full recovery because the acute illness resolved — RMSF vascular damage can cause problems that emerge or worsen years later.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

RMSF Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe lasting effects from RMSF such as major neurological damage, limb amputation from vascular damage, severe kidney disease, or multiple organ systems affected.

What the VA looks for

Major neurological impairment (paralysis, severe cognitive deficits)
Digit or limb amputation from vascular necrosis
Severe chronic kidney disease
Multiple organ systems with residual damage
Significant disability requiring assistance with daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting tick exposure during military service — field training, deployments, and duty stations in tick-endemic areas (southeastern US, wooded areas) establish the in-service event.

⚠Failing to file separate claims for each organ system damaged — neurological, renal, vascular, and hearing damage should each be claimed independently for maximum combined rating.

⚠Not getting comprehensive testing for late residuals — kidney function, neurological examination, hearing tests, and cognitive screening can reveal damage years after the acute infection.

⚠Assuming full recovery because the acute illness resolved — RMSF vascular damage can cause problems that emerge or worsen years later.