Leprosy (Hansen's disease)

During the active-disease phase, medical records confirming an active leprosy diagnosis and documenting ongoing treatment are the core evidence. Once treatment ends, the mandatory VA examination six months later becomes the key record for determining what comes next. For residual conditions, the evidence that matters depends on the specific residual being rated. For skin lesions, dermatology records and exam findings describing the extent, location, and appearance of lesions are relevant. For peripheral neuropathy, nerve conduction studies, neurological exam findings, and statements from you or your treating providers describing numbness, weakness, or loss of function in your hands or feet help show severity. For amputations, surgical and prosthetics records document what was lost. Statements describing how any residual condition affects your ability to work or carry out daily activities can also help show the degree of disability at each level.