Diagnostic Code 7710 · 38 CFR §4.117
Tuberculous adenitis is infection of the lymph nodes by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The lymph nodes become swollen and may drain or form abscesses. Veterans may have been exposed to tuberculosis during deployments to regions where TB is endemic, in close quarters during barracks living, or through occupational exposure in military medical settings. The condition can be active (with ongoing infection) or inactive (previously treated but with residual lymph node damage). The VA rates differently based on whether the disease is active or inactive.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | History of tuberculous adenitis that has been fully treated with no active disease and no residual symptoms. |
| 30% | Inactive tuberculous adenitis with residual lymph node damage, scarring, or other chronic effects requiring ongoing monitoring. |
| 100% | Active tuberculous adenitis requiring ongoing anti-tuberculosis treatment. |
TB testing results (skin test, blood test, cultures) are needed. Imaging showing affected lymph nodes helps document the extent. Treatment records for anti-tuberculosis medications are important. Service records showing deployment to TB-endemic areas or other exposure risk factors establish nexus. Follow-up records showing the current disease status (active vs. inactive) are needed for the rating.
Yes. If you were exposed to TB during military service — through deployment to endemic regions, living in close quarters, or medical occupational exposure — and later developed tuberculous adenitis, the condition can be service-connected.