VA Disability Rating for Hepatitis C
Rated 10–100% by symptom severity and liver involvement. Service connection via in-service risk exposures.
Hepatitis C (DC 7354) is rated by symptom frequency, hepatomegaly, fatigue, and impact on daily function. Service connection typically established via in-service risk exposures: field blood transfusions, jet-injector vaccinations (pre-1997), contaminated tattoos/piercings, shared razors, combat blood exposure.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Intermittent fatigue, malaise, anorexia, OR incapacitating episodes (requiring bed rest + treatment by physician) having a total duration of at least 1 week but less than 2 weeks during past 12 months. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia (without hepatomegaly or weight loss) requiring dietary restriction OR continuous medication, OR incapacitating episodes total 2 to 4 weeks/year. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia with minor weight loss and hepatomegaly, OR incapacitating episodes 4-6 weeks/year. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia with substantial weight loss and hepatomegaly, OR incapacitating episodes ≥6 weeks/year but not near-constant. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Near-constant debilitating symptoms (fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, right upper quadrant pain). |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for hepatitis c
- Positive HCV antibody + PCR confirmation.
- Document in-service risk factors (jet injectors pre-1997, blood exposure, tattoos).
- Track symptom burden and any hepatologist evaluation.
Common secondary conditions
- +Cirrhosis (DC 7312) — separately ratable if progressed
- +Depression
- +Hepatocellular carcinoma
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Jet-injector vaccinations in basic training (pre-1997) are widely recognized as a potential HCV vector.
- Absence of a single "event" does not defeat service connection — cumulative risk profile matters.
Frequently asked
I was cured by antivirals. Can I still claim?
Yes — service connection is based on the underlying exposure, not current viral status. If the infection occurred in service and caused any residual damage (elevated enzymes, liver fibrosis), it is ratable.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.