Diagnostic Code 7312 · 38 CFR §4.114
Chronic liver disease encompasses ongoing damage to the liver from various causes including hepatitis infections, toxic exposure, alcohol use, or autoimmune conditions. As damage progresses, it can lead to cirrhosis — scarring that replaces healthy liver tissue and impairs the liver's ability to function. Symptoms range from fatigue and mild abdominal discomfort in early stages to jaundice, fluid buildup in the abdomen, confusion, and bleeding problems in advanced disease. Veterans may develop liver disease from hepatitis contracted during service, toxic exposures (including Agent Orange), or medications used for other service-connected conditions.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Your liver condition causes intermittent fatigue, general discomfort, and some loss of appetite. Liver function tests show mild abnormalities but you do not have signs of advanced disease. Dietary restriction may be necessary. |
| 30% | Your liver disease causes persistent fatigue, right upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, and loss of appetite requiring dietary adjustment. You may have mild hepatomegaly (enlarged liver). Some weight loss is present. |
| 50% | You have disturbance of liver function with signs of portal hypertension such as an enlarged spleen or abdominal fluid. Lab tests show more significant impairment. Fatigue, weakness, nausea, and dietary limitations substantially affect your daily life. |
| 70% | You have documented liver damage with symptoms including persistent jaundice, fluid accumulation requiring treatment, markedly abnormal liver function tests, and significant weight loss. Hospitalization for liver-related complications has occurred. |
| 100% | Near-constant debilitating symptoms with one or more of the following: persistent ascites not controlled by treatment, hepatic encephalopathy (confusion from liver failure), bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach, or meeting criteria for a liver transplant. |
Liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin, albumin, PT/INR) over time showing the pattern and severity of impairment. Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) showing liver size, texture, and signs of cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Liver biopsy results if available. Records of hospitalizations for complications like ascites, variceal bleeding, or encephalopathy. Documentation of the underlying cause (hepatitis serology, exposure records).
Yes. If you contracted hepatitis C during military service (from blood transfusions, jet injectors, or other in-service exposures) and it caused liver damage, both the hepatitis and the resulting liver disease are ratable. They may be rated under separate codes.
The VA considers all contributing factors. If military service contributed to your liver disease (through hepatitis, toxic exposure, or medications), service connection may be established even if other factors like alcohol also played a role. However, the VA generally does not grant service connection for conditions solely caused by willful misconduct.
A liver transplant itself can warrant a 100 percent rating for at least one year following surgery. After that, the VA re-evaluates based on your residual symptoms and liver function.