VASRD 6354 · Infectious Diseases/Immune Disorders

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) VA Disability Rating

CFS causes persistent fatigue not improved by rest and worsened by physical or mental activity.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%You can’t perform any regular activity due to extreme fatigue.
60%You're only able to function about half the time due to fatigue.
40%Significant exhaustion that limits what you can do most days.
20%Chronic tiredness that limits your lifestyle and function.
10%Occasional fatigue that interferes with daily tasks.

How the VA Evaluates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Diagnosis of CFS, medical records showing persistent symptoms for 6+ months, and ruling out other causes.

Approval rate

Moderate – requires robust documentation and exclusion of other diagnoses.

Annual service-connected

18,700 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •VA physician diagnosis of CFS
  • •Labs ruling out other causes
  • •Personal logs of fatigue patterns
  • •C&P exam documenting activity limits

Strategy Tips

  • •Track symptoms and medical visits consistently
  • •Use a Nexus letter if not Gulf War service
  • •Describe how CFS limits your lifestyle

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Incomplete documentation of symptom duration
  • •Failure to exclude other medical causes
  • •Inconsistent symptom reporting

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Missing proof of continuous fatigue
  • •No documented medical history of fatigue
  • •Filed without ruling out other diagnoses

Onset Patterns

  • •May follow viral illness or deployment exposure
  • •Symptoms slowly worsen with exertion and stress

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Depression

    Chronic fatigue often leads to emotional distress.

  • Fibromyalgia

    Fatigue may coexist or be confused with muscle pain syndromes.

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is frequently claimed.

Army00BDiverArmy18DSpecial Forces Medical SergeantArmy68BOrthopedic SpecialistArmy68CPractical Nursing SpecialistArmy68DOperating Room SpecialistArmy68EDental SpecialistArmy68FPhysical Therapy SpecialistArmy68KMedical Laboratory SpecialistArmy68LOccupational Therapy SpecialistArmy68NCardiovascular SpecialistArmy68RVeterinary Food Inspection SpecialistArmy68SPreventive Medicine Specialist

Common questions about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) under VASRD diagnostic code 6354 (Infectious Diseases/Immune Disorders). CFS causes persistent fatigue not improved by rest and worsened by physical or mental activity.
What VA disability rating can I get for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Possible VA ratings for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are 100%, 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 100% — You can’t perform any regular activity due to extreme fatigue.; 60% — You're only able to function about half the time due to fatigue.; 40% — Significant exhaustion that limits what you can do most days..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
The average awarded rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is 40%. Roughly 18,700 veterans are service-connected for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – requires robust documentation and exclusion of other diagnoses..
What evidence helps prove Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) claim includes: VA physician diagnosis of CFS; Labs ruling out other causes; Personal logs of fatigue patterns; C&P exam documenting activity limits.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Missing proof of continuous fatigue; No documented medical history of fatigue; Filed without ruling out other diagnoses.
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is recognized as a presumptive condition. Presumptive for Gulf War Veterans under undiagnosed illness provisions.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) include: Depression, Fibromyalgia. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator