VA Disability Rating for Rickettsial Infections (DC 6317)

Diagnostic Code 6317 · 38 CFR §4.88b

What Is It?

This code covers tick-borne bacterial infections including scrub typhus, rickettsial pox, African tick-borne fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. The VA uses the General Rating Formula. Residuals including bone marrow, spleen, central nervous system, and skin conditions are rated under appropriate body system codes.

Rating Criteria

Rating	Criteria
100%	Active rickettsial, ehrlichial, or anaplasma infection with systemic symptoms and positive testing during treatment.
0%	Resolved. Residual bone marrow, spleen, CNS, and skin conditions are rated under appropriate body system codes.

Evidence Needed

Serological testing or PCR confirming the infection. Service records documenting tick exposure. Treatment records. Complication records. Post-treatment organ evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which rickettsial diseases are most common in veterans?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis in the US. Typhus variants overseas.

How does military service increase risk?

Extensive outdoor activity during training and deployments in tick-infested areas.