Toxic Exposure Syndrome Residuals (PACT Act)

DC 6354Infectious Diseases38 CFR 3.320, rated analogous to DC 6354

Chronic symptoms and conditions caused by toxic exposures during military service, such as burn pits, Agent Orange, contaminated water, or radiation. The PACT Act expanded presumptive conditions for toxic-exposed veterans. When symptoms do not fit a specific diagnosis, they may be rated under the chronic fatigue syndrome criteria.

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 3.320, rated analogous to DC 6354. 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 toxic exposure symptoms that prevent you from working or caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Near-total restriction of daily activities
Occasional inability to perform self-care
Cannot maintain gainful employment
Severe multi-organ involvement
Debilitating fatigue and pain

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not enrolling in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry — this free VA registry creates a record of your exposure and health concerns.
⚠Filing individual conditions when a multi-symptom illness claim under the PACT Act may be more effective — talk to a VSO about which approach is better for your situation.
⚠Not documenting specific exposures during service — burn pit smoke, jet fuel, depleted uranium, and other hazards should be detailed with dates, locations, and duration.
⚠Assuming you need a specific diagnosis — the PACT Act allows claims for conditions that are presumptively linked to toxic exposure, even without a definitive diagnosis.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
DBQ Gulf War General Medical Examination
DBQ Respiratory 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…

Toxic Exposure Syndrome Residuals (PACT Act)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6354

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have constant, severe toxic exposure symptoms that prevent you from working or caring for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Near-total restriction of daily activities
Occasional inability to perform self-care
Cannot maintain gainful employment
Severe multi-organ involvement
Debilitating fatigue and pain

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not enrolling in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry — this free VA registry creates a record of your exposure and health concerns.

⚠Filing individual conditions when a multi-symptom illness claim under the PACT Act may be more effective — talk to a VSO about which approach is better for your situation.

⚠Not documenting specific exposures during service — burn pit smoke, jet fuel, depleted uranium, and other hazards should be detailed with dates, locations, and duration.

⚠Assuming you need a specific diagnosis — the PACT Act allows claims for conditions that are presumptively linked to toxic exposure, even without a definitive diagnosis.