Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) DC 6354
VA rates it under diagnostic code 6354 in 38 CFR 4.88b. Body system: Other.
Also searched as: chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS, ME/CFS.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 5 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.88b on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.88b, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms:
Notes in the schedule (1)
Note: For the purpose of evaluating this disability, incapacitation exists only when a licensed physician prescribes bed rest and treatment.
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Gulf War undiagnosed and multisymptom illness
Covered: Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Time limit: Must reach at least 10% disabling by December 31, 2026 under the regulation (38 CFR 3.317(a)(1)(i)), unless it started during service in the region. VA.gov says a diagnosis any time after separation counts, but file before that date to be safe.
Who qualifies: Service on or after August 2, 1990 in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, or Red Sea, or on the ground in Afghanistan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria, or Turkey. Symptoms must last at least 6 months and not be explained by another diagnosis.
38 CFR 3.317(a). Sources: 38 CFR 3.317; VA.gov: Gulf War illnesses linked to Southwest Asia service
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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