Schistosomiasis (DC 6326)

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

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Schistosoma blood flukes, contracted through skin contact with contaminated freshwater containing infected snails (endemic in parts of Africa, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia). DC 6326 itself rates only at 0%, for either the acute phase (Katayama fever) or asymptomatic chronic disease. Once organ damage develops, the residuals are rated SEPARATELY under the appropriate body-system codes, common sites include the liver (hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension), intestinal system (chronic colitis, polyps), female genital tract, genitourinary tract (bladder fibrosis, hydronephrosis, bladder cancer risk), and central nervous system (transverse myelitis, cerebral granulomas). Even though DC 6326 itself is 0%, the rating is still important for service connection, VA healthcare access, and as the basis for any related body-system rating that develops later.

Rating levels

  • 0% — You qualify for the 0% rating under DC 6326 if you have schistosomiasis in either the acute phase (recent infection causing the early systemic reaction often called Katayama fever) or the asymptomatic chronic phase (the parasites are present but not currently causing measurable organ damage). The 0% rating recognizes the diagnosis but does not pay compensation by itself. Once organ damage develops, the residuals are rated SEPARATELY under the appropriate body system code (see Note below), not at 0%.
  • -1% — Any lasting damage from schistosomiasis is NOT rated under DC 6326, it is rated under whichever body-system code best captures the deficit. Common sites of chronic schistosomiasis damage include: the LIVER (hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension, esophageal varices) under the digestive system codes; the INTESTINAL SYSTEM (chronic colitis, polyps, strictures) under the digestive codes; the FEMALE GENITAL TRACT (cervical, vaginal, or vulvar lesions; tubal scarring) under the gynecological codes; the GENITOURINARY TRACT (bladder fibrosis, hydronephrosis, ureteral obstruction, and bladder cancer risk) under the genitourinary codes; and the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (transverse myelitis, cerebral granulomas, seizures) under 38 CFR § 4.124a. 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.