Diagnostic Code 7345 · 38 CFR §4.114
Chronic liver disease encompasses a range of conditions where the liver is progressively damaged over time, including cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and other non-viral causes of liver damage. The liver performs hundreds of essential functions including filtering toxins, producing bile, storing energy, and making proteins needed for blood clotting. When it is damaged, veterans may experience fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling, easy bruising, and cognitive changes. Veterans may develop liver disease from toxic exposures during service (Agent Orange, burn pits, industrial chemicals), medications used for service-connected conditions, or as a progression of other service-connected digestive conditions.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 40% | |
| 20% | |
| 10% | |
| 0% |
Liver biopsy or FibroScan results showing the degree of fibrosis or cirrhosis, Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin, INR) showing abnormalities, Imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) of the liver showing structural changes, Documentation of toxic exposures during service (burn pits, chemicals, Agent Orange), Treatment records for liver disease management, Records of incapacitating episodes prescribed by a physician