Other nutritional deficiency

• 100% — Marked mental changes, moist dermatitis, inability to retain adequate nourishment, exhaustion, and cachexia
• 60% — With all of the symptoms listed below, plus mental symptoms and impaired bodily vigor
• 40% — With stomatitis, diarrhea, and symmetrical dermatitis
• 20% — With stomatitis, or achlorhydria, or diarrhea
• 10% — Confirmed diagnosis with nonspecific symptoms such as: decreased appetite, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, weakness, inability to concentrate and irritability

Medical records that document a confirmed diagnosis of avitaminosis form the foundation for any rating. At the 10% level, records showing decreased appetite, unintended weight loss, abdominal discomfort, weakness, difficulty concentrating, or irritability support the diagnosis. For higher ratings, clinical findings become more specific. Records of stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), achlorhydria (absence of stomach acid), or diarrhea support a 20% rating. Findings of stomatitis, diarrhea, and symmetrical dermatitis together support the 40% level. Mental health evaluations or notes documenting mental symptoms alongside evidence of impaired bodily vigor support the 60% level. For a 100% rating, records would need to show marked mental changes, moist dermatitis, an inability to retain adequate nourishment, exhaustion, and cachexia. Your own statements and those of people who know you describing how these symptoms affect your ability to work, eat, and carry out daily activities can also help show the severity of your condition.

• Prisoner of war — 38 CFR § 3.309(c)