Actinomycosis (DC 6822)

Body system: Respiratory SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.97

Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species (anaerobic gram-positive bacteria normally found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract). When it affects the lungs (thoracic actinomycosis), it can produce abscesses, draining sinus tracts, and chronic systemic symptoms. The VA rates this condition under the General Rating Formula for Bacterial Infections of the Lung (38 CFR § 4.97): 100% during active infection with systemic symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss, hemoptysis). Once the active infection resolves, the residuals are rated as interstitial lung disease, restrictive lung disease, or DC 6600 chronic bronchitis (when obstructive disease is the major residual).

Rating levels

  • 100% — You qualify for 100% during active actinomycosis when accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or hemoptysis (coughing up blood). The 100% rating continues during the active phase of disease. Once the active infection resolves, this DC no longer assigns a rating, instead the lasting damage (residuals) is rated under the appropriate respiratory pattern, see the Note below.
  • -1% — Once the active infection has resolved, actinomycosis itself has no rating ladder. The VA rates lasting damage based on which respiratory pattern best fits the residuals: INTERSTITIAL lung disease (rated under DCs 6825-6833 series for interstitial patterns) for scarring/fibrosis patterns; RESTRICTIVE lung disease (rated under the appropriate restrictive pattern code in the 6840-6845 range) when the residual is primarily restrictive on pulmonary function testing; or CHRONIC BRONCHITIS under DC 6600 when obstructive disease is the major residual. The rating comes from whichever pattern code applies, multiple residual ratings combine under 38 CFR § 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.