Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 6354: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.88b
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 5
- Body system
- Infectious diseases and immune disorders
The VA rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome under diagnostic code 6354 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 6354 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Signs and symptoms waxing and waning but generally controlled by medication What raters look forcontrolled by medication; intermittent |
| 20% | Nearly constant with periods needing bed rest but less than 50% of time What raters look fornearly constant; bed rest needed; less than 50% activity restriction |
| 40% | Signs nearly constant, restricting daily activities 50-74% from pre-illness level What raters look for50-74% activity restriction; major limitation |
| 60% | Signs nearly constant, restricting daily activities 75-99% below pre-illness level What raters look for75-99% activity restriction; mostly bed-bound |
| 100% | Nearly constant and so severe as to restrict daily activities almost completely What raters look fornear-total restriction; bedridden |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 911 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as the primary issue. The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome appeals generally rather than DC 6354 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6354?
Diagnostic code 6354 is the VA rating schedule entry for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 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 6354?
DC 6354 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6354 require?
The 100% rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome requires: Nearly constant and so severe as to restrict daily activities almost completely.