★ Digestive
Cirrhosis of the Liver VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7312
Overview
Cirrhosis can be from hepatitis (B/C), alcohol use, NAFLD/NASH, or autoimmune causes.
Higher ratings reflect ascites refractory to treatment, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal hemorrhage.
Liver transplant is rated separately under DC 7351.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Secondary to service-connected hepatitis C (Vietnam-era veterans common pathway).
- Secondary to a service-connected mental health condition driving alcohol use disorder (Allen v. Principi).
- Direct in-service onset.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7312
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Symptoms such as weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, malaise. |
| 30% | Portal hypertension and splenomegaly with weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, malaise, and at least minor weight loss. |
| 50% | History of one episode of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or hemorrhage from varices, plus chronic symptoms. |
| 70% | History of two or more such episodes within past year, plus chronic symptoms. |
| 100% | Generalized weakness, substantial weight loss, persistent jaundice, or with one of these episodes within past year. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Hepatology notes.
- Liver biopsy or imaging (FibroScan, MRI).
- Lab results (LFTs, MELD score).
- Records of complications (variceal bleeds, encephalopathy).
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Cirrhosis of the Liver:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Cirrhosis of the Liver claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.