VA Disability Rating for Rheumatic Fever (DC 6309)

Diagnostic Code 6309 · 38 CFR §4.88b

What Is It?

Rheumatic fever develops as a complication of untreated streptococcal throat infections. The VA uses the General Rating Formula: active disease at 100 percent, and residuals — most importantly heart damage — are rated under appropriate body system codes.

Rating Criteria

RatingCriteria
100%Active rheumatic fever with documented inflammatory activity and cardiac involvement.
0%Resolved. Residual heart valve damage, joint problems, or neurological effects are rated under appropriate body system codes.

Evidence Needed

Medical records from the rheumatic fever episode. Echocardiogram results. Service records documenting strep infections. Cardiology follow-up records. Documentation of joint or neurological residuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rheumatic heart disease show up years after the fever?

Yes. Valve damage can be mild initially and worsen over decades.

How should I rate heart valve damage from rheumatic fever?

Under cardiovascular codes, which provide significantly higher ratings. Claim as secondary to the service-connected rheumatic fever.