Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness / Chagas)

DC 6311Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6311

Parasitic diseases caused by Trypanosoma species. African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is transmitted by tsetse flies and attacks the nervous system. American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) is transmitted by triatomine bugs and damages the heart and digestive tract. The VA rates trypanosomiasis based on cardiac, neurological, and gastrointestinal involvement.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6311

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88b, DC 6311. 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 devastating multi-organ damage from trypanosomiasis with end-stage heart failure, severe neurological deterioration, or combined cardiac and GI dysfunction preventing self-care and employment.

What the VA looks for

End-stage cardiomyopathy (LVEF below 25%)
Chronic congestive heart failure with recurrent hospitalizations
Severe progressive encephalopathy or dementia
Multi-organ system failure
Inability to perform activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting deployment to endemic areas — African trypanosomiasis is found in sub-Saharan Africa (tsetse fly regions) and American trypanosomiasis in Central and South America.
⚠Failing to get comprehensive cardiac testing — echocardiogram, Holter monitor, and EKG are essential because cardiac involvement can develop years or decades after the initial infection.
⚠Not recognizing that cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, and personality changes may be caused by CNS involvement of trypanosomiasis rather than a separate psychiatric condition.
⚠Not filing each affected organ system separately — cardiac, neurological, and GI residuals can each be rated under their respective body system codes for a higher combined rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

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Condition Rating Guides

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Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness / Chagas)

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6311

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

End-stage cardiomyopathy (LVEF below 25%)
Chronic congestive heart failure with recurrent hospitalizations
Severe progressive encephalopathy or dementia
Multi-organ system failure
Inability to perform activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting deployment to endemic areas — African trypanosomiasis is found in sub-Saharan Africa (tsetse fly regions) and American trypanosomiasis in Central and South America.

⚠Failing to get comprehensive cardiac testing — echocardiogram, Holter monitor, and EKG are essential because cardiac involvement can develop years or decades after the initial infection.

⚠Not recognizing that cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, and personality changes may be caused by CNS involvement of trypanosomiasis rather than a separate psychiatric condition.

⚠Not filing each affected organ system separately — cardiac, neurological, and GI residuals can each be rated under their respective body system codes for a higher combined rating.