Education · 38 CFR § 4.88b · Infectious diseases, immune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies · not your rating · we do not file
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) VA rating (DC 6354)
VA rates chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) under diagnostic code 6354 in 38 CFR § 4.88b. The rule book lists 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100%. Below: each level in plain English, then the exact words.
Rule-book name: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Last checked against eCFR on 2026-10-10 (eCFR issue 2026-08-27). Official text: 38 CFR § 4.88b on eCFR.
Each rating level in plain English
- 100%: The published words look at: how often it happens; and how bad it is, shown by what it stops you from doing.
- 60%: The published words look at: how often it happens; and how long it lasts.
- 40%: The published words look at: how often it happens; and how long it lasts.
- 20%: The published words look at: how often it happens; and how long it lasts.
- 10%: The published words look at: medicine you take for it; how often it happens; and how long it lasts.
Plain words come from our reading aid for the published words. They never add a symptom. The quotes below are the rule.
Exact words in 38 CFR § 4.88b
“Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms:”
100% · “Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care”
60% · “Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least six weeks total duration per year”
40% · “Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities from 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least four but less than six weeks total duration per year”
20% · “Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities by less than 25 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least two but less than four weeks total duration per year”
10% · “Which wax and wane but result in periods of incapacitation of at least one but less than two weeks total duration per year; or symptoms controlled by continuous medication”
Source: § 4.88b Schedule of ratings—infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies.
Notes printed with this code
“Note: For the purpose of evaluating this disability, incapacitation exists only when a licensed physician prescribes bed rest and treatment.”
What records usually show this
VA reads these things from your records: service treatment records, VA and private treatment records, and the VA claim exam (C&P exam). The published words on this page talk about:
- How often it happens: usually found in treatment notes or the VA claim exam (C&P exam) report that describe it, when those exist.
- How bad it is, shown by what it stops you from doing: usually found in treatment notes or the VA claim exam (C&P exam) report that describe it, when those exist.
- How long it lasts: usually found in treatment notes or the VA claim exam (C&P exam) report that describe it, when those exist.
- Medicine you take for it: usually found in treatment notes or the VA claim exam (C&P exam) report that describe it, when those exist.
Education only. This does not say you have any of these, and a record that mentions them does not decide a rating. Only write what is true for you. Evidence needed for your disability claim · VA claim exam (C&P exam)
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Common questions
What percentages does the VA rating schedule list for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) (DC 6354)?
38 CFR § 4.88b lists 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100% for diagnostic code 6354. VA decides which line fits from the evidence. This page is not your rating.
Where do these words come from?
They are quoted from the public eCFR copy of 38 CFR § 4.88b, last checked 2026-10-10. The official page is linked on this page so you can check every word.
Does this page tell me what my rating will be?
No. It shows what the published rule book says. It does not predict a rating, a decision, or a dollar amount, and it does not say you have this condition.
Who can file a VA claim for me for free?
Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) can prepare and file a claim with you at no cost. VA lists accredited representatives on VA.gov. We do not file.
This page quotes the public VA rule book. It is not your rating and not your pay. We do not say you have this condition. We do not file. You, or a free accredited representative, file with VA.
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