VA Diagnostic Code 8019Meningitis, cerebrospinal, epidemic
Rated from 10% to 100% under § 4.124a. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 100%
As active febrile disease
- 10%
Rate residuals, minimum
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: It is required for the minimum ratings for residuals under diagnostic codes 8000-8025, that there be ascertainable residuals. Determinations as to the presence of residuals not capable of objective verification, i.e., headaches, dizziness, fatigability, must be approached on the basis of the diagnosis recorded; subjective residuals will be accepted when consistent with the disease and not more likely attributable to other disease or no disease. It is of exceptional importance that when ratings in excess of the prescribed minimum ratings are assigned, the diagnostic codes utilized as bases of evaluation be cited, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.
Epidemic Cerebrospinal Meningitis (VA Diagnostic Code 8019)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders — 38 CFR § 4.124a
What This Condition Is
Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis is a neurological condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 8019. Because this condition can affect the body both during its active phase and afterward through lasting effects, the VA rates it differently depending on whether the disease is currently active or whether it has left residuals (lingering effects).
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns disability ratings for this condition at the following levels:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 100% | As active febrile disease |
| 10% | Rate residuals, minimum |
- A 100% rating applies while the condition is present as an active febrile disease.
- A 10% rating is the minimum assigned when rating residuals of the condition.
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating residuals of this condition, the VA follows specific requirements that apply across the related diagnostic codes (8000–8025):
- Ascertainable residuals are required for the minimum ratings. There must be identifiable lasting effects of the disease to support a residual rating.
- Subjective residuals — such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigability — that cannot be objectively verified are approached based on the diagnosis recorded. These subjective residuals will be accepted when they are consistent with the disease and are not more likely attributable to another disease or to no disease at all.
- When a rating exceeds the prescribed minimum, the VA considers it exceptionally important that the diagnostic codes used as the basis for evaluation be cited, in addition to the codes identifying the diagnoses.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.124a. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each case as evaluated by the VA.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.124a, diagnostic code 8019. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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