VASRD 7354 · Digestive System

Hepatitis C VA Disability Rating

A viral infection affecting the liver that can lead to fatigue, nausea, and liver damage.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
0%Asymptomatic with no residuals
10%Intermittent fatigue or malaise
20%Daily fatigue and some dietary restrictions
40%Chronic fatigue, hepatomegaly, and dietary restriction
60%Severe symptoms affecting work and social life
100%Near-constant debilitating symptoms or cirrhosis

How the VA Evaluates Hepatitis C

VA checks for chronic liver function abnormalities, fatigue, and treatment side effects.

Approval rate

High if labs show liver damage or if antiviral treatments were required.

Annual service-connected

22,000 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Liver enzyme tests
  • •Liver biopsy
  • •VA or private treatment records

Strategy Tips

  • •Get a Nexus letter if not directly documented during service
  • •Show impact on daily life

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not mentioning fatigue or side effects of medication

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Omitting evidence of past exposure
  • •Not including specialist opinion

Onset Patterns

  • •Delayed
  • •Can take decades to show symptoms

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Hepatitis C. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

Common questions about Hepatitis C

Is Hepatitis C a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Hepatitis C under VASRD diagnostic code 7354 (Digestive System). A viral infection affecting the liver that can lead to fatigue, nausea, and liver damage.
What VA disability rating can I get for Hepatitis C?
Possible VA ratings for Hepatitis C are 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. Examples: 0% — Asymptomatic with no residuals; 10% — Intermittent fatigue or malaise; 20% — Daily fatigue and some dietary restrictions.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Hepatitis C?
The average awarded rating for Hepatitis C is 40%. Roughly 22,000 veterans are service-connected for Hepatitis C each year. Typical approval likelihood: High if labs show liver damage or if antiviral treatments were required..
What evidence helps prove Hepatitis C for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Hepatitis C claim includes: Liver enzyme tests; Liver biopsy; VA or private treatment records.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Hepatitis C?
Common pitfalls when filing for Hepatitis C: Omitting evidence of past exposure; Not including specialist opinion.
Is Hepatitis C a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Hepatitis C is recognized as a presumptive condition. The VA presumes service connection if you meet the qualifying service criteria, which reduces the evidence burden compared to a direct service-connection claim.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Hepatitis C?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Hepatitis C include: , , . Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Hepatitis C combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator