What are the VA rating percentages for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (DC 6350) is rated at 100%, 60%, 10% under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350. Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health.

What rates 100% for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350 (DC 6350), a 100% rating for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus requires: Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health.

What rates 60% for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350 (DC 6350), a 60% rating for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus requires: Exacerbations lasting a week or more, 2 or 3 times per year.

What rates 10% for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350?

Under 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350 (DC 6350), a 10% rating for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus requires: Exacerbations once or twice a year or symptomatic during the past 2 years.

What happens during a C&P exam for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Q: What evidence do I need for a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus VA claim?

Key evidence for a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 635038 C.F.R. § 4.88b

Diagnostic Code

DC 6350

38 C.F.R. § 4.88b

Rating Range

10–100%

3 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.88b

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6350 of 38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6350 across 3 severity tiers (100% / 60% / 10%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Affects joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Characterized by flares and remissions. More common in women and may be triggered by environmental exposures during military service.

Rating Criteria

100%

Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health.

60%

Exacerbations lasting a week or more, 2 or 3 times per year.

10%

Exacerbations once or twice a year or symptomatic during the past 2 years.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.88b (Infectious diseases, immune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies). Source verified 2026-05-27 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.88b on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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