Vibrio Infection Residuals

DC 6302Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6302

Lasting health problems from Vibrio bacterial infections, which are caught from contaminated seafood or saltwater exposure. Vibrio can cause severe GI illness and dangerous wound infections. The VA rates residuals based on chronic GI symptoms and wound complications that remain after the acute infection.

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 6302

Rating range

0% – 30%

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 moderate lasting effects from Vibrio infection such as chronic GI problems affecting daily activities or significant wound complications including chronic infection or tissue loss.

What the VA looks for

Chronic GI problems affecting work and daily activities
Significant tissue loss or scarring from wound infection
Chronic wound that required skin grafting
Limb function affected by tissue damage
Multiple treatments for chronic wound complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting exposure to contaminated seafood or saltwater during military service — coastal duty stations, deployments, and exercises near warm saltwater are common exposure sources.
⚠Failing to file wound scars and tissue loss separately — Vibrio wound infections can cause significant scarring and tissue loss that are separately ratable under the scar criteria.
⚠Not connecting chronic GI symptoms to the initial Vibrio infection — a medical nexus opinion linking ongoing bowel problems to the in-service infection strengthens the claim.
⚠Overlooking secondary conditions — severe Vibrio infections can lead to sepsis residuals, liver damage (especially in veterans with liver disease), and chronic pain.

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…

Vibrio Infection Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6302

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have moderate lasting effects from Vibrio infection such as chronic GI problems affecting daily activities or significant wound complications including chronic infection or tissue loss.

What the VA looks for

Chronic GI problems affecting work and daily activities
Significant tissue loss or scarring from wound infection
Chronic wound that required skin grafting
Limb function affected by tissue damage
Multiple treatments for chronic wound complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting exposure to contaminated seafood or saltwater during military service — coastal duty stations, deployments, and exercises near warm saltwater are common exposure sources.

⚠Failing to file wound scars and tissue loss separately — Vibrio wound infections can cause significant scarring and tissue loss that are separately ratable under the scar criteria.

⚠Not connecting chronic GI symptoms to the initial Vibrio infection — a medical nexus opinion linking ongoing bowel problems to the in-service infection strengthens the claim.

⚠Overlooking secondary conditions — severe Vibrio infections can lead to sepsis residuals, liver damage (especially in veterans with liver disease), and chronic pain.