Nontuberculosis mycobacterium infection (DC 6312)

Body system: Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders, and Nutritional DeficienciesRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.88b

Nontuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) infection is caused by mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis (e.g., M. avium complex, M. kansasii, M. abscessus). Most often affects the lungs but can also involve lymph nodes, skin, soft tissue, or disseminate in immunocompromised hosts. The VA rates this at 100% during active disease, and per Note 1, the 100% rating CONTINUES for the full duration of treatment, followed by a mandatory VA examination. If no relapse is found, the rating drops to whatever the residuals warrant under the appropriate body-system codes; any reduction is subject to the due-process rules of 38 CFR § 3.105(e). Per Note 2, any recurrence of active infection must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other lab testing. Per Note 3, residuals are rated separately under skin, respiratory, CNS, musculoskeletal, ocular, GI, GU, or other applicable body-system codes (plus residuals listed in § 4.88c) and combined under § 4.25.

Rating levels

  • 100% — You qualify for 100% during active nontuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) infection. Per Note 1 below, the 100% rating continues for the DURATION of treatment for active disease, followed by a mandatory VA examination once treatment is complete. NTM infection is caused by mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis (e.g., M. avium complex, M. kansasii, M. abscessus). It most commonly affects the lungs but can also involve lymph nodes, skin, soft tissue, or disseminate in immunocompromised hosts.
  • -1% — The 100% rating CONTINUES for the entire duration of treatment for active disease, not just until symptoms resolve. Once treatment ends, the VA conducts a MANDATORY examination. If that exam shows no relapse, the rating shifts from 100% to whatever the residuals warrant under the appropriate body-system codes. Any reduction from that exam (or any later exam) is subject to the due-process protections of 38 CFR § 3.105(e), the veteran gets advance notice and an opportunity to submit evidence before the reduction takes effect.
  • -1% — If you have a recurrence after treatment, the VA must confirm the active infection has actually returned through objective laboratory evidence (culture of the organism, histopathology showing the organism in tissue, or other diagnostic laboratory testing). Subjective symptoms or clinical suspicion alone are not sufficient to restore the 100% Active rating, a positive lab confirmation is required.
  • -1% — Once active infection is resolved (with no relapse on culture/histopathology), DC 6312 itself rates at the residuals level. The VA rates any lasting damage SEPARATELY under whichever body-system code best captures the deficit, including (but not limited to): skin conditions under the skin codes, respiratory damage under DCs 6600-series, central nervous system involvement under § 4.124a, musculoskeletal damage under the appropriate joint/spine/muscle codes, ocular damage under § 4.79, gastrointestinal damage under the digestive system codes, genitourinary damage under DCs 7500-series, plus any residuals specifically listed in 38 CFR § 4.88c. Multiple residual ratings are combined under § 4.25.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.