Toxoplasmosis Residuals

DC 6302Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6302

Lasting health problems from infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, usually caught from contaminated food or water during deployments. Toxoplasmosis can damage the eyes, brain, and other organs. The VA rates residuals based on which organs are affected 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 6302

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6302. 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 toxoplasmosis such as major visual loss, brain lesions causing seizures or significant cognitive impairment, or other serious organ damage.

What the VA looks for

Severe visual loss in one or both eyes
Brain lesions on MRI from cerebral toxoplasmosis
Seizures requiring anticonvulsant medication
Significant cognitive impairment on formal testing
Multiple organ systems affected

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting specific Toxoplasma serology (IgG and IgM) — positive IgG confirms past infection and is the foundation of your claim.
⚠Failing to document exposure during deployment — contaminated food, water, or cat contact in endemic areas (Central America, Middle East, Southeast Asia) supports the in-service event.
⚠Not filing for eye damage separately under visual impairment codes — retinochoroidal scars can cause visual field loss and reduced acuity that are separately ratable.
⚠Overlooking neurological residuals — even "mild" cerebral toxoplasmosis can cause headaches, cognitive changes, and fatigue that should be documented with neuropsychological testing.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

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Condition Rating Guides

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Toxoplasmosis Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6302

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe lasting effects from toxoplasmosis such as major visual loss, brain lesions causing seizures or significant cognitive impairment, or other serious organ damage.

What the VA looks for

Severe visual loss in one or both eyes
Brain lesions on MRI from cerebral toxoplasmosis
Seizures requiring anticonvulsant medication
Significant cognitive impairment on formal testing
Multiple organ systems affected

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting specific Toxoplasma serology (IgG and IgM) — positive IgG confirms past infection and is the foundation of your claim.

⚠Failing to document exposure during deployment — contaminated food, water, or cat contact in endemic areas (Central America, Middle East, Southeast Asia) supports the in-service event.

⚠Not filing for eye damage separately under visual impairment codes — retinochoroidal scars can cause visual field loss and reduced acuity that are separately ratable.

⚠Overlooking neurological residuals — even "mild" cerebral toxoplasmosis can cause headaches, cognitive changes, and fatigue that should be documented with neuropsychological testing.