This reference uses VA rating codes. For a code from a medical record, check ICD-10-CM and the service date. A clinical code alone does not establish a VA rating or a matching VA diagnostic code.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies · 38 CFR § 4.88b
Diagnostic Code 6354 is the VASRD entry for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). VA applies the controlling criteria, shared formulas, and special instructions shown in 38 CFR Part 4. VMC presents this material for education and reference; it does not determine a Veteran's diagnosis, service connection, or evaluation.
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Source-verified VASRD criteria
How VA rates this diagnostic code
These percentages summarize the regulatory criteria already mapped to this diagnostic code. They do not predict a Veteran's individual evaluation or establish service connection.
Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care
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
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
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
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
Special rating instructions
- Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms:
Regulatory notes
- Note: For the purpose of evaluating this disability, incapacitation exists only when a licensed physician prescribes bed rest and treatment.
Body system and anatomy metadata
Body system: Infectious diseases, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies
Anatomy / region tags: systemic non localized
These tags support discovery and body-map compatibility. They do not establish Veteran-specific laterality or entitlement.
Official VA DBQ references
DBQ catalog: va-dbq-2026.09.16 · Retrieved 2026-09-16. Official VA inventory ↗
- HIV-Related Illnesses ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Infectious Diseases
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Infectious Diseases (other than HIV-related illness chronic fatigue syndrome and tuberculosis) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Infectious Diseases
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Persian Gulf/Afghanistan Infectious Diseases ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Infectious Diseases
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Tuberculosis ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Infectious Diseases
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Nutritional Deficiencies ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Nutrition
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
VA maintains some examination forms that are not available for public use. VMC does not infer a one-code-to-one-DBQ relationship.
Evidence information
When reviewing the criteria, useful evidence categories can include diagnosis and treatment records, objective testing identified by the schedule, documented frequency/duration/severity when the criteria use those concepts, and functional effects described in medical or lay evidence. The relevant evidence depends on the actual claim and medical facts.
VMC does not diagnose conditions, guarantee a percentage, or advise anyone to exaggerate symptoms.
Legal basis and source identification
38 CFR § 4.88b · Source current through 2026-08-06 · Verified 2026-08-10
Registry content release: vasrd-registry-2026.08.1