Strongyloidiasis

DC 6304Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6304

A parasitic roundworm infection that can live in your body for decades through a self-reinfection cycle. Veterans who served in tropical areas may not show symptoms for years. The VA rates strongyloidiasis based on ongoing symptoms and organ damage.

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 6304

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6304. 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 effects from strongyloidiasis such as hyperinfection syndrome, disseminated disease, or major organ damage that greatly limits your daily life.

What the VA looks for

Hyperinfection syndrome (massive larval burden)
Disseminated strongyloidiasis affecting multiple organs
Severe malabsorption and weight loss
Secondary bacterial sepsis from larval migration
Major limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting tested for strongyloides even decades after service — this parasite can persist for 30+ years through autoinfection, so a positive test years later is still valid evidence.
⚠Not documenting service in tropical or subtropical regions — Southeast Asia, Pacific islands, Central America, and parts of Africa are common exposure zones.
⚠Failing to mention immunosuppressive medications — veterans on steroids or other immune-suppressing drugs are at high risk for hyperinfection, which must be monitored.
⚠Not connecting chronic eosinophilia to the parasitic infection — persistent elevated eosinophils on blood tests support ongoing parasitic activity.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6304

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe effects from strongyloidiasis such as hyperinfection syndrome, disseminated disease, or major organ damage that greatly limits your daily life.

What the VA looks for

Hyperinfection syndrome (massive larval burden)
Disseminated strongyloidiasis affecting multiple organs
Severe malabsorption and weight loss
Secondary bacterial sepsis from larval migration
Major limitation of daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting tested for strongyloides even decades after service — this parasite can persist for 30+ years through autoinfection, so a positive test years later is still valid evidence.

⚠Not documenting service in tropical or subtropical regions — Southeast Asia, Pacific islands, Central America, and parts of Africa are common exposure zones.

⚠Failing to mention immunosuppressive medications — veterans on steroids or other immune-suppressing drugs are at high risk for hyperinfection, which must be monitored.

⚠Not connecting chronic eosinophilia to the parasitic infection — persistent elevated eosinophils on blood tests support ongoing parasitic activity.