---
title: "DC 7312 - Cirrhosis of the liver"
diagnostic_code: "7312"
body_system: "Digestive System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.114"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/digestive/7312-cirrhosis-of-the-liver"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114"
updated: "2026-07-21T04:11:28.198301Z"
---

# DC 7312 - Cirrhosis of the liver

Rated under § 4.114. Body system: Digestive System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than or equal to 15; or with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness and at least one of the following: (1) ascites (fluid in the abdomen), or (2) a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or (3) hepatic encephalopathy, or (4) variceal hemorrhage, or (5) coagulopathy, or (6) portal gastropathy, or (7) hepatopulmonary or hepatorenal syndrome |
| 60% | Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 11 but less than 15; or with daily fatigue and at least one episode in the last year of either (1) variceal hemorrhage, or (2) portal gastropathy or hepatic encephalopathy |
| 30% | Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 10 or 11; or with signs of portal hypertension such as splenomegaly or ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and either weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, or malaise |
| 10% | Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 6 but less than 10; or with evidence of either anorexia, weakness, abdominal pain or malaise |
| 0% | Asymptomatic, but with a history of liver disease |

## Notes

- Note (1): Rate hepatocellular carcinoma occurring with cirrhosis under DC 7343 (Malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, exclusive of skin growths) in lieu of DC 7312.
- Note (2): Biochemical studies, imaging studies, or biopsy must confirm liver dysfunction (including hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, and/or coagulopathy).
- Note (3): Rate condition based on symptomatology where the evidence does not contain a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score.

# Cirrhosis of the Liver — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 7312)

## Understanding Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition of the **digestive system**, rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 7312** in **§ 4.114** of the VA rating schedule.

When rating this condition, the VA relies heavily on the **Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score** as well as your documented symptoms. According to the rating notes, **biochemical studies, imaging studies, or biopsy must confirm liver dysfunction** — including findings such as hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, and/or coagulopathy. When the evidence does **not** contain a MELD score, the VA rates the condition based on your **symptomatology**.

**Please note:** If hepatocellular carcinoma occurs with cirrhosis, the VA rates it under **DC 7343** (Malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, exclusive of skin growths) instead of DC 7312.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings based on your MELD score and/or symptoms:

### 100%
Liver disease with a **MELD score of 15 or greater**; **or** with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness, and at least one of the following:
- Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
- A history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Variceal hemorrhage
- Coagulopathy
- Portal gastropathy
- Hepatopulmonary or hepatorenal syndrome

### 60%
Liver disease with a **MELD score greater than 11 but less than 15**; **or** with daily fatigue and at least one episode in the last year of either:
- Variceal hemorrhage, or
- Portal gastropathy or hepatic encephalopathy

### 30%
Liver disease with a **MELD score of 10 or 11**; **or** with signs of portal hypertension such as splenomegaly or ascites (fluid in the abdomen), along with either weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, or malaise.

### 10%
Liver disease with a **MELD score greater than 6 but less than 10**; **or** with evidence of either anorexia, weakness, abdominal pain, or malaise.

### 0%
Asymptomatic, but with a history of liver disease.

## What the VA Looks For

- **MELD Score:** The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score is a central factor in determining your rating level. Where the evidence does not contain a MELD score, the VA rates the condition based on your symptoms.
- **Confirmed Liver Dysfunction:** Biochemical studies, imaging studies, or biopsy must confirm liver dysfunction — including hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, and/or coagulopathy.
- **Symptoms and Complications:** Documentation of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, malaise, ascites, and portal hypertension, as well as complications like variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy, and portal gastropathy.
- **Frequency and Severity:** Whether symptoms are daily, debilitating, or continuous, and whether specific complications have occurred within the last year.

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114