Schistosomiasis

DC 6305Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6305

A parasitic infection from worms found in contaminated fresh water. It can cause lasting damage to your liver, bladder, and intestines. The VA rates schistosomiasis based on organ damage and ongoing symptoms.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 6305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, 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 schistosomiasis with significant liver damage, portal hypertension with varices, or serious bladder or kidney damage.

What the VA looks for

Advanced hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis
Portal hypertension with esophageal or gastric varices
Splenomegaly and hypersplenism
Severe bladder or kidney damage
Major limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting fresh water exposure during deployment — wading, swimming, or bathing in rivers, lakes, or rice paddies in Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East is the typical exposure.
⚠Failing to get liver imaging (ultrasound or CT) — periportal fibrosis from schistosomiasis has a distinctive pattern that supports your claim even after treatment.
⚠Not claiming bladder complications separately — chronic schistosomiasis can cause bladder calcification and even bladder cancer, which can be rated independently.
⚠Assuming praziquantel treatment cured all damage — the drug kills the parasites but does not reverse liver fibrosis or bladder scarring already present.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe lasting effects from schistosomiasis with significant liver damage, portal hypertension with varices, or serious bladder or kidney damage.

What the VA looks for

Advanced hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis
Portal hypertension with esophageal or gastric varices
Splenomegaly and hypersplenism
Severe bladder or kidney damage
Major limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting fresh water exposure during deployment — wading, swimming, or bathing in rivers, lakes, or rice paddies in Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East is the typical exposure.

⚠Failing to get liver imaging (ultrasound or CT) — periportal fibrosis from schistosomiasis has a distinctive pattern that supports your claim even after treatment.

⚠Not claiming bladder complications separately — chronic schistosomiasis can cause bladder calcification and even bladder cancer, which can be rated independently.

⚠Assuming praziquantel treatment cured all damage — the drug kills the parasites but does not reverse liver fibrosis or bladder scarring already present.