VA Disability Rating for Relapsing Fever (DC 6308)

Diagnostic Code 6308 · 38 CFR §4.88b

What Is It?

Relapsing fever is caused by Borrelia species, transmitted through tick or louse bites. The VA uses the General Rating Formula: active disease at 100 percent, and residuals including liver or spleen damage, iritis, uveitis, or central nervous system involvement are rated under appropriate body system codes.

Rating Criteria

RatingCriteria
100%Active relapsing fever with documented recurring fever episodes and positive lab findings during treatment.
0%Resolved. Organ damage including liver/spleen damage, iritis, uveitis, or CNS involvement is rated under relevant body system codes.

Evidence Needed

Blood smear or PCR confirming Borrelia. Service records documenting vector exposure. Medical records showing fever pattern. Treatment records. Documentation of organ damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is relapsing fever different from Lyme disease?

Both caused by Borrelia but different species. Relapsing fever has recurring high fevers; Lyme has the bull's-eye rash and joint symptoms.

Can relapsing fever come back after treatment?

The disease pattern involves recurring fever episodes. With antibiotics, it should clear, but organ damage from episodes may be permanent.