VA Disability Rating for Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Rated 10% with infrequent exacerbations → 100% with acute episodes ≥4 weeks/year and severe systemic involvement.
Lupus (DC 6350) is rated by frequency of acute exacerbations and severity of systemic involvement. Each organ-system manifestation may also be rated separately (renal, cardiac, neurological) and combined under VA math. Often presents as overlap with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and joint disease.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Exacerbations once or twice a year, or symptomatic during the past 2 years. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Exacerbations lasting a week or more, 2 or 3 times per year. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Acute, with frequent exacerbations producing severe impairment of health. |
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 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 lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Rheumatology evaluation + ANA / anti-dsDNA / anti-Sm autoantibody workup.
- Document exacerbations: rashes, joint flares, fatigue, fever, organ involvement.
- File any organ-specific complications separately (nephritis under DC 7530, cardiac under appropriate DC).
Common secondary conditions
- +Lupus nephritis
- +Anemia
- +Arthritis
- +Fibromyalgia
- +Depression
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Female veterans with in-service onset of joint/skin symptoms have well-recognized nexus.
- Gulf War / SW Asia service: undiagnosed multi-symptom illnesses may be considered under § 3.317 if lupus diagnosis comes later.
Frequently asked
My lupus is in remission with low-dose hydroxychloroquine. What rating should I expect?
If you have had any exacerbation or symptomatic period in the past 2 years, the 10% baseline applies. Higher ratings require multiple flares per year. File ALL organ-specific complications separately for combined math.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
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.