Wilson's Disease (Hepatolenticular Degeneration)

DC 7345Digestive38 CFR 4.114, DC 7345

A rare genetic condition where the body cannot properly remove copper, causing copper to build up in the liver, brain, and other organs. Wilson's disease can cause liver damage, neurological problems, and psychiatric symptoms. The VA rates this condition based on the severity of liver involvement and impact on overall health.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7345

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.114, DC 7345. 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 Wilson's disease with liver failure, severe neurological damage (tremor, difficulty speaking, movement problems), or near-constant incapacitating episodes.

What the VA looks for

Liver failure or cirrhosis
Severe neurological symptoms (tremor, dysarthria, dystonia)
Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Incapacitating episodes totaling 6+ weeks per year
Kayser-Fleischer rings on eye exam

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming neurological and psychiatric symptoms separately — Wilson's disease can cause tremor, speech problems, depression, and personality changes, each of which may warrant its own rating under different diagnostic codes.
⚠Not documenting chelation therapy side effects — penicillamine can cause joint pain, skin rash, and kidney problems that may support additional claims.
⚠Not getting regular liver biopsies or imaging to document liver damage progression — worsening liver disease over time supports a higher rating.
⚠Not establishing service aggravation — while Wilson's disease is genetic, military service stressors, diet, or delayed diagnosis during service may have aggravated the condition beyond its natural progression.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Liver Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Wilson's Disease (Hepatolenticular Degeneration)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7345

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe Wilson's disease with liver failure, severe neurological damage (tremor, difficulty speaking, movement problems), or near-constant incapacitating episodes.

What the VA looks for

Liver failure or cirrhosis
Severe neurological symptoms (tremor, dysarthria, dystonia)
Near-constant debilitating symptoms
Incapacitating episodes totaling 6+ weeks per year
Kayser-Fleischer rings on eye exam

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming neurological and psychiatric symptoms separately — Wilson's disease can cause tremor, speech problems, depression, and personality changes, each of which may warrant its own rating under different diagnostic codes.

⚠Not documenting chelation therapy side effects — penicillamine can cause joint pain, skin rash, and kidney problems that may support additional claims.

⚠Not getting regular liver biopsies or imaging to document liver damage progression — worsening liver disease over time supports a higher rating.

⚠Not establishing service aggravation — while Wilson's disease is genetic, military service stressors, diet, or delayed diagnosis during service may have aggravated the condition beyond its natural progression.