VA BENEFITS REFERENCE
DC 6354: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Read VA diagnostic code 6354 for Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): published criteria, regulatory notes, related codes and official sources checked October 25, 2026.
Published criteria from 38 CFR 4.88b, current through 2026-10-22. Historical decisions may require a different version. This reference does not diagnose a condition or determine an evaluation.
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DC 6354: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Diagnostic code 6354 addresses Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 6354 Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): | |
| Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments (such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, or confusion), or a combination of other signs and symptoms: | |
| Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care | 100 |
| 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 | 60 |
| 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 | 40 |
| 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 | 20 |
| 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 | 10 |
| Note: For the purpose of evaluating this disability, incapacitation exists only when a licensed physician prescribes bed rest and treatment. |
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 6354, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Shared Rules And Regulatory Context
Context provisions do not create an additional evaluation automatically assigned to every condition.
Related Guides
Official Sources
Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.
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