38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.114
Chronic Liver Disease Without Cirrhosis
dc-7345-chronic-liver-disease-without-cirrhosis
Digestive
Diagnostic code
7345
Why your DC matters: DC 7345 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 7345 — Chronic Liver Disease Without Cirrhosis — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.114 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7345) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7345”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7345 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7345 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7345 is the general catchall for chronic liver disease without cirrhosis — autoimmune hepatitis, NAFLD/NASH, hepatitis B, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease (where in-line with regulation), and other non-HCV chronic hepatopathies. It's the natural complement to DC 7354 (Hepatitis C, which has its own dedicated schedule). For Camp Lejeune water-contamination veterans (service Aug 1953 – Dec 1987), DC 7345 is the principal liver-disease lane under the presumptive list. As liver disease progresses, expect a code shift to DC 7312 (cirrhosis) — file the transition as a separate increase claim.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Progressive chronic liver disease requiring antiviral therapy AND immunomodulatory therapy, plus a 6-month post-discontinuance tail at 100% (re-evaluation by mandatory exam afterward). | Hepatology treatment record showing both classes of therapy concurrently; treatment-end documentation for the 6-month tail. |
| 60% | Progressive chronic liver disease requiring continuous medication and causing substantial weight loss + at least two listed symptoms (fatigue, malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, pruritus). | Continuous Rx + ≥ 10% weight loss + two enumerated symptoms documented in chart. |
| 40% | Progressive chronic liver disease requiring continuous medication and causing minor weight loss + at least two listed symptoms. | Continuous Rx + minor weight loss + two enumerated symptoms. |
| 20% | Chronic liver disease with at least one of the following: intermittent fatigue, malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, or pruritus. | Chart documentation of any one enumerated symptom. |
| 0% | Previous history of liver disease, currently asymptomatic. | Resolved or asymptomatic chronic liver disease with confirmed diagnosis on record. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7345?
Chronic liver disease WITHOUT cirrhosis
Autoimmune hepatitis, NAFLD/NASH, Hepatitis B, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease (when within regulation). NOT Hepatitis C (DC 7354) or cirrhosis (DC 7312).
Symptom + treatment-driven tiers (post-May-2024 § 4.114)
DC 7345 schedule:
- • 0% — Asymptomatic, history only
- • 20% — Any one symptom (intermittent fatigue, malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, pruritus)
- • 40% — Progressive disease + minor weight loss + 2 listed symptoms
- • 60% — Continuous medication + substantial weight loss + 2 listed symptoms
- • 100% — Antiviral therapy AND immunomodulatory therapy concurrently + 6-month post-discontinuance tail
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Antiviral therapy AND immunomodulatory therapy concurrently (plus 6-month post-discontinuance tail)”
Post-May-2024 § 4.114 restructure removed the explicit 'parenteral' modifier from the 100% criteria — both classes of therapy concurrently trigger 100%, and the rating continues for 6 months after discontinuance before mandatory re-exam. Document treatment start/end dates carefully to capture the tail period.
“Substantial weight loss”
60% gate (vs. 40%). 'Substantial' = ≥ 10% unintentional loss over 6 months. Document with serial weights.
“Hepatomegaly, pruritus, or intermittent fatigue/malaise/anorexia”
The 20% floor. ANY ONE of these symptoms documented unlocks 20%. Pruritus (itching from cholestasis) and palpable hepatomegaly are the cleanest because they're objective.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Hepatology workup with diagnosis
CRITICALSpecific liver disease etiology — autoimmune hepatitis, NAFLD/NASH, HBV, drug-induced, etc. Diagnosis matters because each has its own presumptive pathway (Camp Lejeune, Agent Orange, etc.).
LFT trend (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin)
CRITICALDocuments chronic process. Synthetic dysfunction markers (albumin, INR) drive severity assessment.
Imaging (ultrasound, FibroScan, MRI)
CRITICALHepatomegaly, steatosis, fibrosis stage. FibroScan transient elastography is the modern non-invasive standard.
Symptom diary
IMPORTANTDaily vs. intermittent fatigue, malaise, anorexia, pruritus. Drives 20% vs. higher tiers.
Weight history with serial measurements
IMPORTANTSubstantial (≥ 10%) vs. minor weight loss over 6-month windows. 40% vs. 60% gate.
Treatment regimen documentation
IMPORTANTParenteral vs. oral antivirals; immunomodulatory therapy. Parenteral concurrent therapy = 100%.
Camp Lejeune service documentation (if applicable)
SUPPORTINGDD-214 + housing/duty station records showing service Aug 1953 – Dec 1987. Triggers presumptive SC.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring hepatology notes printed
Diagnosis, fibrosis stage, treatment regimen. Examiner needs this to anchor the rating.
Quantify fatigue with concrete examples
'Can't work past 2pm three days a week' beats 'I feel tired.' Drives intermittent vs. daily distinction.
Document any pruritus or hepatomegaly history
Itching and palpable liver are objective findings that anchor 20% even without weight loss.
Don't say 'My LFTs are normal now'
VA rates symptoms and functional impact, not just labs. Lab normalization doesn't end the rating if symptoms persist.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing under DC 7354 (Hep C) when diagnosis is actually autoimmune or NAFLD
DC 7354 is HCV-specific. Non-HCV chronic liver disease goes under DC 7345 — different schedule, different criteria.
Missing the Camp Lejeune presumptive lane
Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune Aug 1953 – Dec 1987 get presumptive SC for several liver conditions. File the presumption — no nexus letter required.
Accepting 0% because 'liver disease is controlled'
Control on medication still rates. The schedule pays for ongoing condition, not just active hepatitis. Intermittent fatigue + Rx = 20%.
Missing the cirrhosis transition
When chronic liver disease progresses to cirrhosis, file an increase under DC 7312. 7312 has a different and higher schedule (reaches 100% on MELD score alone).
Tactical Plays
⚡ Camp Lejeune service = presumptive SC for liver disease
Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune Aug 1953 – Dec 1987 have presumptive SC for several conditions including liver disease pathways. File under DC 7345 + cite the presumptive pathway. No nexus letter required.
⚡ Use DC 7345, not DC 7354, for non-HCV chronic hepatopathies
Autoimmune hepatitis, NAFLD/NASH, HBV, drug-induced liver disease — all rate under DC 7345. DC 7354 is reserved for chronic Hepatitis C. Filing under the wrong code complicates the rating.
⚡ Track cirrhosis transition — file DC 7312 increase if it progresses
When FibroScan or imaging shows cirrhosis development, file an increase under DC 7312. DC 7312 reaches 100% on MELD ≥ 15 alone — significantly higher ceiling than DC 7345.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Cirrhosis of liver
STRONGDC 7312
Natural progression endpoint of many chronic hepatopathies. DC 7312 has higher tiers and reaches 100% on MELD score.
Hepatocellular carcinoma
MODERATEDC 7343
HBV, NASH, alcoholic liver disease all increase liver cancer risk. Active disease = 100% under DC 7343.
Type 2 diabetes (NAFLD link)
MODERATEDC 7913
NAFLD and Type 2 DM are bidirectionally linked. If DM is service-connected, NAFLD may be presumed secondary; conversely, severe NAFLD can support a DM claim.
Depression / fatigue-driven MH
MODERATEDC 9434
Chronic liver disease with fatigue and life impact drives well-documented MH secondaries.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Asymptomatic chronic liver disease with confirmed history.
20% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$356.66
TOTAL
$356.66/mo
Any one symptom (e.g., intermittent fatigue or pruritus).
40% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$795.84
TOTAL
$795.84/mo
Continuous Rx + minor weight loss + two symptoms.
60% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,435.02
TOTAL
$1,435.02/mo
Continuous Rx + substantial weight loss + two symptoms.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Concurrent antiviral + immunomodulatory therapy + 6-month post-discontinuance tail.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
📋What's the difference between DC 7345 and DC 7354?
DC 7345 = chronic liver disease WITHOUT cirrhosis (autoimmune, NAFLD, HBV, drug-induced — non-HCV). DC 7354 = Hepatitis C specifically. Different schedules — file under the diagnosis that matches your condition.
🔁When should I file DC 7312 instead?
Once cirrhosis is established (imaging, biopsy, or FibroScan F4), file DC 7312 — it has higher tiers and reaches 100% on MELD ≥ 15 alone.
💊What's the 100% trigger post-May-2024 restructure?
Concurrent antiviral + immunomodulatory therapy triggers 100% during treatment, with a 6-month tail at 100% after discontinuance. The 2024 restructure removed the explicit 'parenteral' modifier present in the legacy schedule — both oral and parenteral regimens count if the two classes are administered concurrently. The mandatory VA exam at 6 months post-treatment determines the residual rating.
🪖Camp Lejeune presumption — does it apply here?
Yes. Veterans with qualifying service at Camp Lejeune (Aug 1953 – Dec 1987) have presumptive SC for several conditions. Liver disease pathways are recognized. File the presumption.
How to File Your Claim
Get specific hepatology diagnosis
Autoimmune, NAFLD/NASH, HBV, drug-induced, etc. The etiology determines presumptive pathways.
Pull LFT trend + imaging + biopsy/FibroScan (if done)
Documents chronicity and fibrosis stage. F4 fibrosis = file DC 7312 instead.
Build symptom + weight diary
Track listed symptoms (fatigue, malaise, anorexia, hepatomegaly, pruritus) + weight changes.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'chronic liver disease (DC 7345)' — NOT 7354
Add Camp Lejeune presumption if eligible.
Stack secondaries — DM, cirrhosis, HCC if applicable
Each rates separately. Cirrhosis (DC 7312) reaches 100% on its own.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Use DC 7345, NOT DC 7354 for non-HCV liver disease
DC 7354 is HCV-specific. Non-HCV chronic hepatopathies all go under DC 7345.
100% requires concurrent antiviral + immunomodulatory therapy
Post-May-2024 § 4.114 restructure: concurrent antiviral AND immunomodulatory therapy triggers 100% during treatment + a 6-month post-discontinuance tail. The 'parenteral-only' qualifier from the legacy schedule was removed.
Camp Lejeune service = presumptive lane
Aug 1953 – Dec 1987 qualifying service triggers presumption for several liver conditions.
File DC 7312 increase when cirrhosis develops
DC 7312 is a higher-ceiling code (100% on MELD ≥ 15 alone).
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
I have NAFLD — is that ratable under DC 7345?
Yes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) rate under DC 7345 as chronic liver disease without cirrhosis. If NAFLD is secondary to service-connected diabetes or obesity-related conditions, the secondary pathway applies.
What if my chronic liver disease was caused by Camp Lejeune water?
Veterans with qualifying Camp Lejeune service (Aug 1953 – Dec 1987) have presumptive SC for several conditions tied to the contaminated water. File DC 7345 + cite the Camp Lejeune presumption — no nexus letter required for presumptive conditions.
Can I get 100% under DC 7345 on oral antivirals?
Post-May-2024 § 4.114 restructure: the 'parenteral' qualifier was removed. Concurrent antiviral + immunomodulatory therapy triggers 100% regardless of route (with a 6-month post-discontinuance tail before mandatory re-exam). For non-progressive disease maintained on oral antivirals alone without immunomodulatory therapy, the rating typically caps at 40-60% based on symptoms and weight loss.
When should I file DC 7312 instead of DC 7345?
When fibrosis stage progresses to F4 (cirrhosis), file an increase under DC 7312. DC 7312 has higher tiers and reaches 100% on MELD score ≥ 15 alone — a significantly higher ceiling than DC 7345 for advanced disease.
Official Regulatory Source
Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis is rated under 38 CFR § 4.114, DC 7345.
38 CFR § 4.114 — Digestive System (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7345. § 4.114 was substantially restructured effective May 19, 2024 — entry updated to reflect post-restructure criteria (Wave 8 verification re-pass).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7345, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7345 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.