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Rheumatic fever
Diagnostic code 6309 · Infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies · 38 CFR 4.88b
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.88b. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6309 Rheumatic fever: | |
| Evaluate under the General Rating Formula. | |
| Note: Rate under the appropriate body system any residual disability of infection, which includes, but is not limited to, heart damage. |
General Rating Formula for Infectious Diseases
This code's own text says to use this formula.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| General Rating Formula for Infectious Diseases: | |
| For active disease | 100 |
| After active disease has resolved, rate at 0 percent for infection. Rate any residual disability of infection within the appropriate body system. |
Notes for the whole table
Note: Rate any residual disability of infection within the appropriate body system as indicated by the notes in the evaluation criteria. As applicable, consider the long-term health effects potentially associated with infectious diseases as listed in § 3.317(d) of this chapter, specifically Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), Malaria, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Nontyphoid Salmonella, Shigella, Visceral Leishmaniasis, and West Nile virus.
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.88b, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Added March 1, 1963; criterion March 1, 1989; criterion August 30, 1996; criterion, note August 11, 2019.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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