Diagnostic Code 8000 · 38 CFR §4.124a
Chronic encephalitis is long-term inflammation of the brain that can follow an acute viral or bacterial brain infection. Veterans may have contracted encephalitis from insect-borne viruses during deployments to tropical or subtropical regions, through tick bites during field training, or from other infectious exposures during service. Even after the acute infection resolves, chronic encephalitis can leave lasting neurological damage including cognitive difficulties, personality changes, chronic fatigue, seizures, and movement disorders.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Brain MRI showing areas of inflammation, scarring, or other changes, Cerebrospinal fluid analysis results from the acute infection, Neuropsychological testing documenting cognitive deficits, EEG results if seizures are present, Service records documenting deployment to endemic areas or known exposure, Treatment records from the acute infection through current symptoms