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Cirrhosis of the liver
Diagnostic code 7312 · Digestive system · 38 CFR 4.114
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.114. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7312 Cirrhosis of the liver: | |
| Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than or equal to 15; or with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness and at least one of the following: (1) ascites (fluid in the abdomen), or (2) a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or (3) hepatic encephalopathy, or (4) variceal hemorrhage, or (5) coagulopathy, or (6) portal gastropathy, or (7) hepatopulmonary or hepatorenal syndrome | 100 |
| Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 11 but less than 15; or with daily fatigue and at least one episode in the last year of either (1) variceal hemorrhage, or (2) portal gastropathy or hepatic encephalopathy | 60 |
| Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 10 or 11; or with signs of portal hypertension such as splenomegaly or ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and either weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, or malaise | 30 |
| Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 6 but less than 10; or with evidence of either anorexia, weakness, abdominal pain or malaise | 10 |
| Asymptomatic, but with a history of liver disease | 0 |
| Note (1): Rate hepatocellular carcinoma occurring with cirrhosis under DC 7343 (Malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, exclusive of skin growths) in lieu of DC 7312. | |
| Note (2): Biochemical studies, imaging studies, or biopsy must confirm liver dysfunction (including hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, and/or coagulopathy). | |
| Note (3): Rate condition based on symptomatology where the evidence does not contain a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Depending on the specific residuals, separately evaluate as adhesions of peritoneum (diagnostic code 7301), cirrhosis of liver (diagnostic code 7312), and chronic liver disease without cirrhosis (diagnostic code 7345).
Under diagnostic code 7311 (Residuals of injury of the liver)
Note (2): For individuals for whom physicians recommend both parenteral antiviral therapy and parenteral immunomodulatory drugs, but for whom treatment is medically contraindicated, rate according to DC 7312 (Cirrhosis of the liver).
Under diagnostic code 7345 (Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis)
Notes for the whole table
Do not combine ratings under diagnostic codes 7301 through 7329 inclusive, 7331, 7342, 7345 through 7350 inclusive, 7352, and 7355 through 7357 inclusive, with each other. Instead, when more than one rating is warranted under those diagnostic codes, assign a single evaluation under the diagnostic code that reflects the predominant disability picture, and elevate it to the next higher evaluation if warranted by the severity of the overall disability.
Related codes in the regulation
- 7343 Malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, exclusive of skin growthsMentioned together
- 7311 Residuals of injury of the liverMentioned together
- 7345 Chronic liver disease without cirrhosisMentioned together
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 4.114, 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): Evaluation March 10, 1976; evaluation July 2, 2001; title, evaluation, criterion, and note May 19, 2024.
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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