Diagnostic Code 6326 · 38 CFR §4.88b
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes contracted through skin contact with contaminated freshwater. Veterans who served in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, or parts of South America may have been exposed. The parasites cause progressive organ damage over years. Under DC 6326, both acute and asymptomatic chronic schistosomiasis are rated at 0 percent, but all residual organ damage to the liver, intestinal system, female genital tract, genitourinary tract, or central nervous system is rated under appropriate body system codes.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Acute or asymptomatic chronic schistosomiasis. All residual disability — including conditions of the liver, intestinal system, female genital tract, genitourinary tract, or central nervous system — is rated under appropriate body system codes. |
Stool or urine examination showing Schistosoma eggs, or serological testing. Deployment records to endemic freshwater areas. Liver imaging showing fibrosis. Liver function tests. Urological evaluation. Documentation of all affected organ systems.
The infection itself rates at 0 percent for both acute and chronic disease. All compensation comes from residual organ damage rated under appropriate body system codes.
Yes. The eggs deposited by parasites trigger ongoing immune reaction that progressively scars the liver over years or decades.
Through skin contact with contaminated freshwater — river crossings, wading through rice paddies, or using local water sources during deployments in endemic areas.