Diagnostic Code 6350: Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.88b
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Infectious diseases and immune disorders
The VA rates Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) under diagnostic code 6350 in 38 CFR § 4.88b. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 6350 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Exacerbations once or twice a year or symptomatic during the past 2 years What raters look forexacerbations once or twice a year; symptomatic during the past 2 years |
| 60% | Exacerbations lasting a week or more, 2 or 3 times per year What raters look forexacerbations lasting a week or more, 2 or 3 times per year |
| 100% | Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health What raters look foracute; frequent exacerbations; severe impairment of health |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Lupus. The Lupus condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Lupus appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 473 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Lupus, 2021 to 2026. The Lupus condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Lupus appeals generally rather than DC 6350 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6350?
Diagnostic code 6350 is the VA rating schedule entry for Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), found in 38 CFR § 4.88b. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 6350?
DC 6350 provides ratings of 10%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6350 require?
The 100% rating for Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) requires: Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health.
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