The VA changed the codes and ratings for

Infectious Diseases and Immune Disorders

On August 11, 2019

Highlights

Important to Remember!

Probative Value: If two exams record the condition differently, the exam with the most thorough data and performed by the most qualified person in that specialty will be the exam the rating is based on.

A Tie Goes to the Veteran: If there are two equally strong exams with conflicting information, or if the condition can be equally rated under two different codes, then the one that gives the highest rating will be assigned. Every conflict should be resolved in favor of the higher rating.

List of Most Common Tick Borne Diseases

August 11, 2019 - Infectious Diseases and Immune Disorders

The General Rating System for Infectious Diseases did not exist before this date.

Code 6319: Lyme disease is a bacterial disease common in the US and spread by ticks. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, fatigue, and depression and can affect the joints, heart and nerves if it is not treated properly. The 100% rating for this condition continues only while the condition is active. After that, any remaining side effects or symptoms are rated separately. These symptoms could include arthritis, codes 5002-5003, heart damage, code 7020, chronic fatigue, code 6354, and nerve damage.

Codes 6325, 6326, 6329, 6330, 6331, 6333, 6334, and 6335 did not exist before this date.

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Code 6306: Bartonellosis is a bacterial infection which can cause many other diseases including trench fever, chronic bacteremia, endocarditis, neurological conditions, Carrion’s disease, cat-scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis, and chronic lymphadenopathy. All of these conditions are rated under this code. The 100% rating for this condition continues only while the condition is active. Afterwards, any remaining symptoms or side effects are rated separately. These symptoms could include skin damage, which is rated under codes 7800–7805.

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Code 6317: Rickettsial infections (including scrub typhus, erlichiosis, anaplasmosis, etc.) are rated under this code. These diseases are unique in that they are bacterial, but spread by parasites (fleas, ticks, etc.). It is rated on the General Rating System. Side effects could include bone marrow conditions, skin conditions, central nervous conditions, and spleen damage.

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Code 6320: All other diseases caused by parasites are rated under this code. The 100% rating for this condition continues only while the condition is active. After that, any remaining side effects or symptoms are rated separately. These symptoms could include liver damage.

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Code 6308: Relapsing fever is a bacterial infection that causes fevers, chills, aches, and nausea that can last between 2 and 9 days. Every couple of weeks, these symptoms return if not treated with antibiotics. It is rated on the General Rating System. Side effects could include liver damage, spleen damage, choroidopathy, or central nerve damage.

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Code 6316: Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that causes fevers,headaches, depression, and weakness. Diagnosis and any recurrence must be confirmed by culture and/or serologic testing. It is rated on the General Rating System. Side effects could include liver damage, nervous system infections, spleen damage, arthritis, hearing loss, respiratory infections, and much more.

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Code 6331: Coxiella burnetii infection (“Q fever”) is a bacterial infection spread by animals that causes flu-like symptoms. It is rated on the General Rating System. Side effects could include chronic hepatitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, endocarditis, vascular infection, and osteomyelitis.

Code 6333: Salmonella infections (non-typhoid) is a common type of food poisoning caused by bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and fever. It is rated on the General Rating System. Side effects could include reactive arthritis and more.

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Code 6305: Lymphatic filariasis (“elephantiasis”) is a disease of parasites that infect the lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes. It is rated on the General Rating System. Side effects could include epididymitis, which is rated under code 7525, and various lymphatic conditions.

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Additional Listings Here

http://www.militarydisabilitymadeeasy.com/infectiousdiseasesandimmunedisorders.html#l

Last Update- August 2019

Lucy Barnes

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