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6301
§ 4.88b Schedule of ratings—infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies.

Visceral leishmaniasis (kala azar)

A parasitic infection affecting internal organs, transmitted by sandflies, causing fever and organ enlargement.

What the rating means

Visceral leishmaniasis, also called kala azar, is rated under Diagnostic Code 6301. While the disease is active, VA assigns a 100 percent rating. That 100 percent rating continues even after treatment ends. Six months after treatment stops, VA requires a mandatory examination to decide what rating, if any, is appropriate going forward. Any rating change after that exam follows the protections in 38 CFR § 3.105(e). If the disease comes back, VA requires confirmation through culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing before treating it as active again. Once active disease has resolved, VA rates any lasting damage — such as liver damage or bone marrow disease — under the body system that covers that specific problem, not under this diagnostic code. In other words, the long-term rating depends on whatever residuals remain and how those conditions are rated in their own sections of the rating schedule.

Evidence that helps

During the active phase, medical records and laboratory results that document a current diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis support the 100 percent rating. After treatment ends, the six-month mandatory VA examination is the key event. Records showing the date treatment stopped help establish when that exam should occur. If residual conditions develop — for example, liver damage or bone marrow disease — medical records, imaging, biopsy results, blood work, and specialist notes that document those specific conditions become the relevant evidence, because VA will rate them under the appropriate body system. If the disease appears to recur, culture results, histopathology reports, or other laboratory testing confirming active infection are required. Statements from you or treating providers describing how ongoing symptoms affect your daily life and work can support the rating of any residual disability under whichever body system applies.

Secondary conditions

Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.