West Nile Virus Residuals

DC 6305Infectious Diseases38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6305

Lasting health problems from West Nile virus infection, spread by mosquito bites. While most people recover fully, some develop lasting neurological problems including brain inflammation, muscle weakness, tremors, and chronic fatigue. The VA rates residuals based on the severity of neurological and other organ damage.

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 6305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.88a, DC 6305. 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 West Nile encephalitis or poliomyelitis-like syndrome such as paralysis, severe cognitive deficits, or inability to care for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Paralysis or severe limb weakness from anterior myelitis
Severe cognitive deficits on formal testing
West Nile encephalitis with lasting brain damage on MRI
Dependence on assistive devices for mobility
Inability to maintain employment due to neurological deficits

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting tested for West Nile virus when neurological symptoms developed after mosquito-heavy deployments — serologic testing (IgM and IgG) confirms the infection, even years later.
⚠Failing to file separate claims for each neurological residual — muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy, and movement disorders should each be claimed independently.
⚠Not documenting mosquito exposure during military service — duty stations, field exercises, and deployments in mosquito-endemic areas establish the in-service event.
⚠Assuming chronic fatigue after West Nile is "just tiredness" — post-West Nile fatigue syndrome is a recognized condition that can be debilitating and should be claimed.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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West Nile Virus Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6305

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe lasting effects from West Nile encephalitis or poliomyelitis-like syndrome such as paralysis, severe cognitive deficits, or inability to care for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Paralysis or severe limb weakness from anterior myelitis
Severe cognitive deficits on formal testing
West Nile encephalitis with lasting brain damage on MRI
Dependence on assistive devices for mobility
Inability to maintain employment due to neurological deficits

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting tested for West Nile virus when neurological symptoms developed after mosquito-heavy deployments — serologic testing (IgM and IgG) confirms the infection, even years later.

⚠Failing to file separate claims for each neurological residual — muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, peripheral neuropathy, and movement disorders should each be claimed independently.

⚠Not documenting mosquito exposure during military service — duty stations, field exercises, and deployments in mosquito-endemic areas establish the in-service event.

⚠Assuming chronic fatigue after West Nile is "just tiredness" — post-West Nile fatigue syndrome is a recognized condition that can be debilitating and should be claimed.