---
title: "DC 6350 - Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)"
diagnostic_code: "6350"
body_system: "Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders and Nutritional Deficiencies"
cfr_section: "§ 4.88b"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/infectious-and-immune/6350-lupus"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.88b"
updated: "2026-07-21T03:32:19.455055Z"
---

# DC 6350 - Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)

Rated under § 4.88b. Body system: Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders and Nutritional Deficiencies.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Not to be combined with ratings under DC 7809 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 |

## Notes

- Note: Evaluate this condition either by combining the evaluations for residuals under the appropriate system, or by evaluating DC 6350, whichever method results in a higher evaluation.

# Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Disseminated) — VA Diagnostic Code 6350

**Body System:** Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders and Nutritional Deficiencies
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.88b, Diagnostic Code 6350

## Understanding the Condition

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), also called disseminated lupus, is an immune disorder. Under the VA rating schedule, it is listed in the section covering infectious diseases, immune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies and is assigned Diagnostic Code 6350.

Because lupus can affect multiple body systems, the VA provides two possible approaches to rating it. The VA evaluates this condition **either** by combining the evaluations for its residuals under the appropriate body system, **or** by evaluating it under Diagnostic Code 6350 directly — **whichever method results in the higher evaluation.**

Please note: a rating under DC 6350 is **not to be combined** with ratings under DC 7809.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA rates systemic lupus under DC 6350 at the following levels:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **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 |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating systemic lupus under Diagnostic Code 6350, the VA focuses on the frequency, duration, and severity of exacerbations (flare-ups), and the overall impact on the veteran's health. Key factors described in the rating levels include:

- **Frequency of exacerbations** — how many times per year flare-ups occur.
- **Duration of exacerbations** — whether flare-ups last a week or more.
- **Severity of impairment** — whether the condition is acute with frequent exacerbations producing severe impairment of health.
- **Recent symptomatic activity** — whether the veteran has been symptomatic during the past 2 years.

Because lupus can involve several body systems, the VA also considers whether combining the evaluations of the condition's residuals under the appropriate system would produce a higher overall evaluation than rating under DC 6350 alone, and applies whichever method results in the higher evaluation.

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule. It does not predict any individual outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.88b