Lyme Disease VA Claim: How DC 6319 Is Rated and What Evidence Matters (2026)
Quick answer: VA rates Lyme disease under Diagnostic Code 6319 (38 CFR 4.88b). The infection is rated 100% only while the disease is active. After it resolves, VA rates it 0% and evaluates any lasting problems, such as arthritis, Bell's palsy, radiculopathy, or cognitive dysfunction, under the body system they affect.
Many veterans expect Lyme disease to carry a fixed percentage, but VA's rule works differently. The infection and its aftereffects are handled separately. This guide walks through what DC 6319 says, how residuals get their own ratings, how service connection is decided, and what evidence is worth gathering. We have only used rules and facts from official sources, which are listed at the end.
What Is the VA Rating for Lyme Disease (DC 6319)?
Lyme disease is listed as DC 6319 in 38 CFR 4.88b, the infectious diseases section of the VA rating schedule. It says to evaluate Lyme disease under the General Rating Formula for Infectious Diseases.
| Diagnostic code | Condition | Rating criteria (38 CFR 4.88b) |
|---|---|---|
| 6319 | Lyme disease | Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for Infectious Diseases |
| 100% | Active disease | Applies for active disease |
| 0% | After active disease has resolved | Rate the infection at 0 percent; rate any residual disability within the appropriate body system |
The regulation also includes a note for DC 6319: rate any residual disability of infection within the appropriate body system, which includes, but is not limited to, arthritis, Bell's palsy, radiculopathy, ocular, or cognitive dysfunction. In plain terms, a 0% rating for the resolved infection is not the end of the story. The lasting problems are what VA may rate.
Important: A 100% rating under DC 6319 is tied to active disease. It is not described in the regulation as a permanent rating. Do not assume a Lyme diagnosis alone sets a long-term percentage.
How Does VA Rate Lyme Disease Residuals?
Once active Lyme disease has resolved, each residual is evaluated under the diagnostic code that fits that condition, based on the medical findings. Some examples taken from the rating schedule:
| Residual | Where VA rates it | What the schedule says |
|---|---|---|
| Arthritis | DC 5002 (multi-joint arthritis as an active process) or DC 5003 (degenerative arthritis), 38 CFR 4.71a | DC 5003 arthritis established by X-ray is generally rated on limitation of motion of the joint involved; if that is noncompensable, 10% may apply per major joint or group of minor joints, with objective findings such as swelling, spasm, or painful motion |
| Bell's palsy (facial nerve) | DC 8207, seventh (facial) cranial nerve, 38 CFR 4.124a | Complete paralysis 30%; incomplete severe 20%; incomplete moderate 10%, dependent on relative loss of innervation of facial muscles |
| Radiculopathy | Peripheral nerve codes in 38 CFR 4.124a for the affected nerve | Depends on the nerve and the degree of impairment |
| Heart rhythm problems | 38 CFR 4.104; for example DC 7015 for atrioventricular block | Benign AV block uses the General Rating Formula for the heart; non-benign (second-degree Type II and third-degree) is evaluated under DC 7018 (pacemakers) |
| Ocular and cognitive dysfunction | Appropriate body system | Named in the DC 6319 note; the specific code depends on the diagnosis and findings |
We did not list percentages for conditions where the code depends on the exact diagnosis. Your decision letter will show which diagnostic code VA used for each residual.
For more on how individual residual conditions are rated, see our guides on osteoarthritis (DC 5003), rheumatoid arthritis (DC 5002), peripheral neuropathy, lumbar radiculopathy, cervical radiculopathy and heart arrhythmia.
Fatigue and widespread pain are common complaints, but a symptom label is not a rating by itself. If you have a separate diagnosis, our fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (Gulf War) guides explain how those conditions are rated. Note that the Gulf War guide covers a different legal pathway; it does not mean Lyme disease is a Gulf War presumptive.
How Do I Prove Service Connection for Lyme Disease?
Under 38 CFR 3.303, service connection means the facts, shown by evidence, establish that a particular injury or disease resulting in disability was incurred coincident with service, or aggravated by it. VA is directed to consider the places, types, and circumstances of your service as shown by service records, your medical records, and all pertinent medical and lay evidence, and to apply a broad and liberal interpretation. When the evidence is in approximate balance, 38 CFR 3.102 gives the veteran the benefit of the doubt.
For a Lyme disease claim, veterans generally need to show three things:
- A current diagnosis, or a current residual such as arthritis, facial palsy, or nerve symptoms, documented by a clinician.
- An in-service event, such as a documented tick bite, an erythema migrans rash, or treatment for a tick-borne illness during service, or service in places and activities that put you at risk (field training, ranges, wooded or grassy terrain).
- A medical link between the in-service event and the current condition, usually from a clinician who has reviewed your records.
There is no Lyme disease presumption that we could find in 38 CFR 3.309 or 3.317, so Lyme claims usually rely on direct service connection. One related note: arthritis is on the chronic disease list in 38 CFR 3.309(a), which can matter if it appeared to a compensable degree within the time limits in 38 CFR 3.307 after service. That presumption covers arthritis as a condition; it does not decide whether the arthritis came from Lyme disease.
If a Lyme-related condition caused or worsened another disability, that disability may be claimed as secondary under 38 CFR 3.310. Our secondary service connection guide explains the process. Guard and Reserve members should also read our National Guard and Reserve guide, because eligibility depends on the type of duty when the disease or injury occurred.
Where Do Service Members Get Lyme Disease?
The CDC reports that Lyme disease is caused in the United States by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (and rarely Borrelia mayonii), is spread by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, and occurs most commonly in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions (CDC: About Lyme Disease). The Defense Department's Medical Surveillance Monthly Report tracks vector-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, among service members and other beneficiaries (health.mil MSMR).
We are not publishing a list of "high-risk bases" here because we could not verify one from an official source. What matters for your claim is your own record: where you were stationed or trained, what the terrain was, and whether anyone documented a bite, rash, or symptoms. Your deployment and duty history can be pulled from your service records; see our guide to getting service medical records fast.
What Evidence Helps a Lyme Disease Claim?
VA explains the types of evidence it considers on its evidence needed page. For Lyme disease, these are commonly useful:
- Service treatment records mentioning a tick bite, rash, fever, joint pain, or a tick-borne illness.
- Lab results and clinical notes documenting the diagnosis. The CDC states Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (such as a rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks, with laboratory testing helpful when used correctly and performed with FDA-cleared tests.
- Records of residuals: imaging and rheumatology notes for arthritis, neurology notes for facial palsy or nerve symptoms, cardiology records for heart rhythm problems, eye and cognitive evaluations where relevant.
- Lay statements from you and from people who saw the bite, rash, or symptoms. See our lay evidence guide and buddy statement guide.
- A medical opinion connecting your condition to service. Our nexus letter guide explains what one should cover.
- A symptom timeline from service to today, with dates of first treatment.
For a broader overview, see VA claims evidence types.
Want Help Organizing Your Evidence?
An accredited attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative can review your records and explain your options. Our referral service is free for veterans.
Request a Free Case Review →What Should I Expect at the C&P Exam?
Because DC 6319 ties the 100% rating to active disease and sends residuals to other body systems, the exam is usually about what is wrong now. Be ready to describe each residual: which joints swell and when, how often facial weakness or nerve symptoms occur, any rhythm problems, and how symptoms affect daily activities and work. Bring a current list of treating clinicians and your test results. Our C&P exam preparation guide has a step-by-step checklist.
How Do Residual Ratings Combine?
If VA rates more than one residual, the percentages are not simply added. VA uses a combined ratings formula, then rounds to the nearest 10. Our combined ratings formula explainer walks through the math, and you can test numbers with the combined ratings calculator or the rating estimator. These tools give estimates, not VA decisions.
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates (Veteran Alone)
Monthly compensation depends on the combined rating, not on the diagnosis. These are the basic rates for a veteran with no dependents, effective December 1, 2025, from VA's published tables at va.gov:
| Combined rating | Monthly (veteran alone) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Dependents change the amounts at 30% and above. See our full 2026 pay chart with dependents.
Talk to a VA-Accredited Professional
Lyme disease claims often involve several residual conditions and a medical-link question. A free case review can help you understand the next step.
Get a Free Case Review →Frequently Asked Questions
Lyme disease is Diagnostic Code 6319 in 38 CFR 4.88b. The General Rating Formula for Infectious Diseases provides 100 percent for active disease. After active disease has resolved, the infection is rated 0 percent and any residual disability is rated under the appropriate body system, such as joints, nerves, or the heart.
No. Under the General Rating Formula in 38 CFR 4.88b, 100 percent applies for active disease. Once the active disease has resolved, the infection itself is rated 0 percent, and VA rates any residuals separately under the body system they affect.
The note under DC 6319 says to rate residual disability of infection within the appropriate body system and lists arthritis as one example. Joint residuals are generally evaluated under the arthritis and joint codes, such as DC 5002 or DC 5003, based on the medical findings.
The note under DC 6319 lists arthritis, Bell's palsy, radiculopathy, ocular dysfunction, and cognitive dysfunction as examples, and says the list is not limited to those. Other body systems, including the heart, may also be considered if the medical evidence links a residual condition to the infection.
Service connection generally requires evidence of a current diagnosis, an in-service event or exposure, and a medical link between them. Service treatment records, a documented tick bite or rash, lay statements about where and when you were exposed, and a medical opinion can all be part of the file. VA looks at the entire record under 38 CFR 3.303.
We found no Lyme disease presumption in VA's regulations. Arthritis is on the chronic disease list in 38 CFR 3.309(a), which can apply if it appears to a compensable degree within the time limits in 38 CFR 3.307, but that does not by itself establish that the arthritis came from Lyme disease.
Eligibility for Guard and Reserve members depends on the type of duty when the injury or disease occurred, not on the disease. See our National Guard and Reserve disability guide and ask an accredited representative to review your duty status records.
Many veterans work with an accredited VSO representative, claims agent, or attorney. VA publishes an accreditation search tool at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation. This article is general information and is not legal or medical advice.
Sources
- 38 CFR 4.88b — Schedule of ratings, infectious diseases (DC 6319) (eCFR, current through 2026-10-29)
- 38 CFR 4.71a — DC 5002, 5003
- 38 CFR 4.124a — DC 8207 and peripheral nerve codes
- 38 CFR 4.104 — DC 7015, 7018
- 38 CFR 3.303, 3.102, 3.309, 3.310
- CDC — About Lyme Disease; CDC — Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease
- VA — Current disability compensation rates
- VA — Evidence needed for your disability claim
- health.mil — MSMR vector-borne disease report