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C&P Exam Prep: Malaria
DBQ Overview
Interview + Physical- Form Name
- Infectious_Diseases_Other_than_HIV_Related_Illness_Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome_and_Tuberculosis
- Form Code
- Infectious_Diseases_Other_than_HIV_Related_Illness_Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome_and_Tuberculosis
- Page Count
- 7
- Examiner Type
- Infectious Disease Specialist or Internal Medicine
- Estimated Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Exam Format
- Interview + Physical
What to Expect During Your Exam
Exam Overview
To evaluate the nature, severity, and functional impact of malaria and any residual effects resulting from service-connected malarial infection, in order to assign an accurate disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6304 (38 CFR 4.88b).
What the examiner evaluates:
- Confirmed diagnosis of malaria (Plasmodium species identification via blood smear, PCR, or other laboratory methods)
- Active versus inactive disease status at time of examination
- History and frequency of malarial attacks or relapses
- Species of malaria parasite (P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale) and implications for relapse potential
- Severity and duration of febrile paroxysms (fever, chills, rigors)
- Associated symptoms: profound fatigue, sweating, headache, myalgia, anemia, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, nausea, vomiting
- Complications: cerebral malaria, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal impairment, pulmonary involvement
- Treatment history and current antimalarial medications or prophylaxis
- Residual conditions attributable to malaria (anemia, hepatic involvement, splenic enlargement, neurological sequelae)
- Impact on daily functioning, occupational performance, and quality of life
- Nexus between military service and current malaria diagnosis or residuals
- Relevant laboratory and diagnostic test results supporting diagnosis
The exam will typically be conducted in person at a VA facility, contract exam site (e.g., LHI, QTC, VES), or via telehealth in some circumstances. Bring all relevant medical records, service treatment records showing deployments to malaria-endemic regions, and any private physician documentation. You have the right to request that the exam be recorded in most states - check your state's laws and notify the examiner in advance.
Typical duration: 30-45 minutes
Blood Smear Microscopy (Thick and Thin Smear)
Direct identification and species determination of Plasmodium parasites in peripheral blood; used to confirm active infection and assess parasite density.
What to expect:
A blood draw will be performed. The sample is examined under microscope. Results confirm active parasitemia, species, and approximate parasite load.
Key thresholds:
- Positive blood smear with species identification — Supports active infection; critical for establishing diagnosis for rating purposes under DC 6304
- Negative blood smear but prior positive documentation — Inactive disease status; rating based on frequency of prior attacks and residual symptoms
Tips:
- Ensure prior positive smear results from service or post-service treatment are in your claims file before the exam.
- If you have P. vivax or P. ovale, emphasize relapse history as these species form hypnozoite liver stages capable of causing recurring attacks years after initial infection.
- Request that the examiner document the specific Plasmodium species identified, as this affects prognosis and relapse potential.
Pain considerations: Blood draw is minimally invasive. Alert the examiner to any vein access difficulties or prior complications from blood draws.
Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) / Malaria Antigen Test
Detects malaria-specific antigens (e.g., HRP-2 for P. falciparum, pLDH for other species) in blood as an alternative or adjunct to smear microscopy.
What to expect:
A fingerstick or venous blood sample is applied to a test strip. Results are available within 15-30 minutes. Often used when microscopy is unavailable or as a rapid screen.
Key thresholds:
- Positive RDT — Supports active or recent infection; document species if determinable
- Negative RDT with clinical history — Does not rule out inactive or previously treated infection; prior documentation remains relevant
Tips:
- RDT results should be corroborated with smear or PCR for maximum diagnostic weight in your claims file.
- A negative RDT does not invalidate your claim if service records or prior treatment records confirm the diagnosis.
Pain considerations: Fingerstick may cause brief discomfort. Inform the examiner if you have neuropathy or clotting concerns.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing
Molecular detection and species typing of Plasmodium DNA in blood; most sensitive method, able to detect low-level parasitemia not visible on smear.
What to expect:
A blood sample is submitted to a laboratory for PCR analysis. Results may take several days. Not always performed at C&P exams but may be referenced from prior records.
Key thresholds:
- Positive PCR with species identification — Highest sensitivity confirmation; strongly supports diagnosis and species-specific residual risk
- PCR documented in service treatment records — Brings prior active infection into evidence record; supports nexus argument
Tips:
- If PCR was performed during military service or at a DoD facility, request those records specifically and ensure they are in your VA claims file.
- PCR is particularly important for P. vivax and P. ovale documentation due to relapse potential.
Pain considerations: Standard venipuncture; same considerations as blood smear collection.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Evaluates hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count (for malarial anemia), white blood cell count, and platelet count (thrombocytopenia is a hallmark of malaria).
What to expect:
Standard blood draw. Results reviewed for anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia - all common in active or recently active malaria.
Key thresholds:
- Hemoglobin < 10 g/dL — Indicates significant anemia potentially ratable as a separate residual condition
- Platelet count < 100,000/-L — Thrombocytopenia consistent with active or recent malaria; documents systemic involvement
- Persistent anemia on multiple CBCs — Supports separate rating for malarial anemia as a residual condition
Tips:
- Ensure the examiner documents any persistent anemia as a possible secondary condition to malaria.
- Bring any prior CBC results showing anemia or thrombocytopenia during or immediately after malarial episodes.
- Ask your primary care provider for a recent CBC to bring to the exam as supporting evidence.
Pain considerations: Standard venipuncture; alert examiner to any clotting disorders or anticoagulant medications.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs) / Hepatic Panel
Assesses hepatic involvement from malaria, including elevated AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin - indicators of malarial hepatitis or hepatomegaly.
What to expect:
Blood draw with laboratory analysis. The examiner may review prior LFT results from your medical records rather than ordering new tests at the C&P exam.
Key thresholds:
- Elevated bilirubin (> 2 mg/dL) — Indicates hemolysis or hepatic dysfunction attributable to malaria
- Elevated transaminases (AST/ALT > 2x normal) — Supports hepatic involvement as a malarial residual
Tips:
- If you have a history of jaundice or right upper quadrant pain after malarial episodes, explicitly describe this to the examiner.
- Request that any hepatic residuals be evaluated as secondary conditions to malaria.
Pain considerations: Standard blood draw. No specific pain concerns beyond venipuncture.
Splenic Assessment (Physical Examination / Ultrasound)
Detects splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), a hallmark of malaria and chronic malarial infection. Hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS) is a recognized complication.
What to expect:
Physical palpation of the abdomen by the examiner to assess spleen size. May reference prior imaging studies (ultrasound, CT) from your records.
Key thresholds:
- Spleen palpable below costal margin — Clinical evidence of splenomegaly supporting active or residual malarial disease
- Ultrasound-confirmed splenomegaly (spleen > 12 cm) — Objective documentation of residual organ involvement from malaria
Tips:
- If you have had prior imaging confirming splenomegaly, bring those reports to the exam.
- Mention any left-sided abdominal discomfort, feelings of early satiety, or left shoulder pain (Kehr's sign) that could indicate splenic enlargement.
- Splenomegaly may support rating for residual conditions beyond the primary malaria rating.
Pain considerations: Abdominal palpation may cause discomfort if spleen is enlarged. Tell the examiner if you experience pain during palpation and describe its severity and location accurately.
Rating Criteria Breakdown
| Rating % | Criteria | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Active disease with severe, debilitating symptoms requiring ongoing treatment, or with serious systemic complications such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia (requiring transfusion), acute renal failure, or pulmonary edema. Veteran is essentially unable to maintain substantial gainful employment. Equivalent to a chronic, uncontrolled infectious process with major organ system involvement. |
CFR: Under 38 CFR 4.88b DC 6304, a 100% rating reflects active malarial disease with incapacitating severity. The general policy under 38 CFR 4.88a directs that active infectious diseases be rated at 100% during active treatment, with rating reassessment after treatment completion based on residuals. |
| 50% | Moderately severe, active or frequently relapsing malaria with significant systemic symptoms. Veteran experiences recurring febrile paroxysms with substantial functional impairment between attacks. May include moderate anemia, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly. Able to function but with significant limitation. |
CFR: Under DC 6304, moderate to severe recurring malaria with systemic organ involvement and functional limitation corresponds to the 50% level. Frequent relapses (P. vivax or P. ovale) with documented parasitemia and systemic symptoms support this level. |
| 10% | Mild or infrequent malarial attacks, or inactive malaria with minimal residual symptoms. Veteran may experience occasional relapses (fewer than once per year) or have only minor residual complaints such as mild fatigue, occasional headaches, or mild splenomegaly. Functional impairment is minimal. |
CFR: Under DC 6304 and general principles of 38 CFR 4.88b, a 10% rating reflects well-controlled, inactive, or minimally symptomatic malaria. Residuals that remain after successful treatment but cause some functional limitation are evaluated at this level. Note: Even inactive malaria can be rated based on documented history and residual organ effects. |
100% Active disease with severe, debilitating symptoms requiring ...
Active disease with severe, debilitating symptoms requiring ongoing treatment, or with serious systemic complications such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia (requiring transfusion), acute renal failure, or pulmonary edema. Veteran is essentially unable to maintain substantial gainful employment. Equivalent to a chronic, uncontrolled infectious process with major organ system involvement.
Key Symptoms
- Continuous or near-continuous febrile episodes
- Cerebral malaria with neurological deficits (altered mental status, seizures, focal deficits)
- Severe hemolytic anemia requiring blood transfusions
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or pulmonary edema
- Acute kidney injury or renal failure attributable to malaria
- Profound and persistent debility preventing all normal activity
- Hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly with massive organ enlargement
- Multi-organ dysfunction syndrome
CFR: Under 38 CFR 4.88b DC 6304, a 100% rating reflects active malarial disease with incapacitating severity. The general policy under 38 CFR 4.88a directs that active infectious diseases be rated at 100% during active treatment, with rating reassessment after treatment completion based on residuals.
50% Moderately severe, active or frequently relapsing malaria wi ...
Moderately severe, active or frequently relapsing malaria with significant systemic symptoms. Veteran experiences recurring febrile paroxysms with substantial functional impairment between attacks. May include moderate anemia, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly. Able to function but with significant limitation.
Key Symptoms
- Recurring febrile paroxysms occurring multiple times per month
- Significant fatigue and weakness persisting between episodes
- Moderate anemia (hemoglobin 8-10 g/dL)
- Palpable splenomegaly or hepatomegaly on examination
- Persistent headaches, myalgias, and arthralgias between attacks
- Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disturbance during paroxysms
- Significant impact on work attendance and productivity
- Ongoing need for antimalarial treatment
CFR: Under DC 6304, moderate to severe recurring malaria with systemic organ involvement and functional limitation corresponds to the 50% level. Frequent relapses (P. vivax or P. ovale) with documented parasitemia and systemic symptoms support this level.
10% Mild or infrequent malarial attacks, or inactive malaria wit ...
Mild or infrequent malarial attacks, or inactive malaria with minimal residual symptoms. Veteran may experience occasional relapses (fewer than once per year) or have only minor residual complaints such as mild fatigue, occasional headaches, or mild splenomegaly. Functional impairment is minimal.
Key Symptoms
- Infrequent febrile episodes (fewer than 1-2 per year or in remission)
- Mild residual fatigue not significantly affecting daily function
- Minor hepatomegaly or splenomegaly on examination without significant symptoms
- Mild, intermittent headaches
- Occasional gastrointestinal symptoms
- Malaria in inactive state with documented history of prior active disease
- No current antimalarial treatment required
CFR: Under DC 6304 and general principles of 38 CFR 4.88b, a 10% rating reflects well-controlled, inactive, or minimally symptomatic malaria. Residuals that remain after successful treatment but cause some functional limitation are evaluated at this level. Note: Even inactive malaria can be rated based on documented history and residual organ effects.
How to Describe Your Symptoms
Febrile Paroxysms (Fever and Chills)
How to describe:
Describe the classic malarial fever cycle accurately: the onset of rigors (shaking chills), followed by high fever (often 103-105-F), followed by profuse sweating and resolution. Specify the frequency (daily, every 48 hours for P. vivax/ovale, every 72 hours for P. malariae), duration of each episode (typically 6-10 hours), and how incapacitating each episode is. Describe your worst episodes honestly.
Worst-day example:
“On my worst days, the chills hit so hard that I shake uncontrollably for 1-2 hours - I cannot hold a cup or type. The fever that follows reaches over 104-F and I am completely bedridden, confused, and unable to care for myself or my family. After the sweating phase, I am so exhausted I sleep for 12 hours and still feel weak the next day. These episodes have occurred [X] times in the past year.”
What the examiner listens for:
Cycle pattern of chills-fever-sweating, frequency of recurrence, degree of incapacitation during and between episodes, need for emergency care or hospitalization, effect on work attendance and family responsibilities.
Understatements to avoid:
Do not say 'just a fever' or minimize the cyclical pattern. Do not omit that you missed work, required bed rest, or needed someone to care for you during attacks. Do not fail to mention if you have gone to the ER or urgent care for malarial episodes.
Fatigue and Weakness Between Attacks
How to describe:
Accurately describe the inter-paroxysmal fatigue - the exhaustion that persists even when you do not have an active fever. Explain how this fatigue differs from normal tiredness: it limits your ability to work, exercise, care for your family, or complete daily tasks. Quantify it: 'I can only work 3-4 hours before I need to rest' or 'I cannot climb stairs without stopping.'
Worst-day example:
“Even on days without a full fever episode, I wake up feeling like I have not slept. I cannot complete a full workday - by noon I am so fatigued I have to lie down. I used to run 5 miles; now I cannot walk to the mailbox without feeling exhausted. This fatigue has cost me [X] sick days in the past year.”
What the examiner listens for:
Persistent fatigue not explained by other conditions, functional limitation on daily activities, impact on occupational capacity, need for rest periods during the day, inability to sustain physical or cognitive effort.
Understatements to avoid:
Do not say 'I get tired sometimes' without quantifying the severity. Do not minimize the difference between your pre-malaria energy levels and current state. Do not omit that fatigue affects your ability to work or function.
Relapses and Recurrences (P. vivax / P. ovale)
How to describe:
If your malaria is due to P. vivax or P. ovale, emphasize the relapse mechanism: these species form dormant liver stages (hypnozoites) that can reactivate months to years after initial infection, even after treatment. Describe each relapse episode, when it occurred, how it was treated, and whether relapses have continued or subsided. This ongoing relapse potential is critical to your rating.
Worst-day example:
“I was treated for malaria in [year] but had a full relapse in [year], [year], and [year] - each time requiring renewed antimalarial treatment. During my last relapse I was hospitalized for [X] days. I live with the constant anxiety that another relapse could occur at any time, which affects my ability to plan, work, and travel.”
What the examiner listens for:
Number and timing of documented relapses, treatment received for each relapse, whether the veteran has taken radical cure treatment (primaquine/tafenoquine for P. vivax), whether relapses continue to occur, and the functional and psychological impact of living with relapse risk.
Understatements to avoid:
Do not say malaria is 'cured' if you have P. vivax or P. ovale and have not confirmed eradication of liver-stage hypnozoites. Do not underreport relapses. Make sure each relapse episode is documented in your medical records.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
How to describe:
Accurately describe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite that occur during and between malarial episodes. Note if these symptoms are severe enough to prevent eating, require IV fluids, or result in significant weight loss.
Worst-day example:
“During my worst episodes, I vomited repeatedly for [X] hours and could not keep any food or water down. I lost [X] pounds during my acute illness. Even between fever episodes, I have chronic nausea that makes eating difficult and has contributed to ongoing weight loss.”
What the examiner listens for:
Frequency and severity of GI symptoms, documented weight loss, need for IV hydration or hospitalization, impact on nutritional status, and whether GI symptoms are attributable to malaria versus other conditions.
Understatements to avoid:
Do not minimize GI symptoms as 'just stomach issues.' Do not fail to mention significant weight loss or the need for IV fluids if applicable.
Neurological Sequelae (Post-Cerebral Malaria or Severe Disease)
How to describe:
If you experienced cerebral malaria or severe P. falciparum infection, describe any cognitive changes, memory impairment, concentration difficulties, mood changes, seizures, or focal neurological deficits that followed. These sequelae can persist long after the acute infection resolves and may be separately ratable.
Worst-day example:
“Since my episode of cerebral malaria in [year], I have difficulty concentrating at work, often losing my train of thought mid-sentence. My memory for recent events is significantly worse than before my illness. I had [X] seizures following my acute malaria episode, for which I take anticonvulsant medication.”
What the examiner listens for:
History of altered consciousness, seizures, or focal deficits during acute malaria; persistent cognitive or neurological complaints after recovery; impact on occupational and social functioning; current neurological medications.
Understatements to avoid:
Do not omit neurological complaints assuming they are unrelated to malaria. Explicitly connect any cognitive or neurological changes to your malarial illness timeline.
Impact on Daily Activities and Occupational Function
How to describe:
Describe specifically how malaria and its symptoms affect your ability to perform your job, maintain a household, care for dependents, participate in recreational activities, and maintain social relationships. Use concrete examples: missed work days, reduced hours, inability to meet physical job requirements, or having to change careers.
Worst-day example:
“In the past 12 months, I have missed [X] days of work due to malarial episodes or their after-effects. I was forced to reduce my hours from full-time to part-time and eventually had to leave my job as a [occupation] because I could not reliably perform the physical demands. I can no longer [specific activity] that I previously enjoyed.”
What the examiner listens for:
Specific occupational limitations, frequency of work absences, need to change jobs or reduce hours, inability to perform physical tasks, impact on family and social functioning, and whether the condition is getting better, worse, or staying the same.
Understatements to avoid:
Do not say 'I manage' or 'I get by' without explaining what accommodations or sacrifices you make to do so. Describe the full cost of managing your condition - rest periods, assistance from others, medications, and lifestyle restrictions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Saying malaria is 'cured' or 'in the past' without describing ongoing residuals or relapse risk
The VA rates malaria based on both active disease and the frequency and severity of residual symptoms. P. vivax and P. ovale have lifelong relapse potential. Dismissing your condition as fully resolved may lead to a 0% rating or denial.
Instead: Accurately describe any residual symptoms (fatigue, anemia, splenomegaly, hepatic involvement) and the ongoing risk of relapse if you have P. vivax or P. ovale. Reference prior relapses and treatment history.
Impact: All levels - prevents appropriate rating from being assigned
Failing to bring laboratory documentation of the malaria diagnosis to the exam
The DBQ specifically asks for identification of malarial parasites in blood smears or other diagnostic tests. Without documented proof, the examiner may express diagnostic uncertainty that weakens your claim.
Instead: Gather all prior positive blood smear results, PCR results, RDT results, and treatment records from military service, VA, or private providers. Ensure these are in your VA claims file before the exam.
Impact: All levels - affects service connection and rating alike
Not mentioning the impact of malaria on employment or functional capacity
The DBQ includes a section on functional impact. Examiners must document how the condition affects daily activities and work. If you do not report this, the examiner has no basis to document it, resulting in an underrated claim.
Instead: Prepare specific examples of how malaria has affected your job attendance, performance, job changes, and daily activities. Quantify missed work days and functional limitations.
Impact: 50% and above
Describing only the acute infection symptoms without mentioning inter-paroxysmal symptoms
Many veterans describe only what happens during a fever episode but forget to describe the persistent fatigue, weakness, and reduced function between episodes. The inter-paroxysmal period is also ratable.
Instead: Explicitly describe how you feel and function between fever episodes. Note any ongoing fatigue, cognitive fog, GI symptoms, or weakness that persists even when you do not have an active fever.
Impact: 10% to 50%
Failing to claim secondary conditions caused by malaria
Malaria can cause anemia, hepatic disease, splenic conditions, neurological sequelae, and renal impairment - all potentially ratable as secondary service-connected conditions. Veterans who only claim malaria itself may miss significant additional ratings.
Instead: Discuss all systemic complications with the examiner and ensure they are documented. File separate secondary claims for anemia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, or neurological conditions attributable to malaria if they are not already service connected.
Impact: All levels - combined rating impact
Minimizing symptoms because 'others have it worse'
Your rating is based on your own condition and how it affects your specific functioning - not relative to other veterans. Minimizing your symptoms leads to underrating.
Instead: Describe your symptoms as they actually are on your worst days, as instructed by M21-1 guidance. You are not exaggerating - you are accurately reporting the full scope of your condition.
Impact: All levels
Not mentioning the specific Plasmodium species involved
The species of malaria parasite directly affects the risk of relapse, severity of disease, and appropriate treatment. P. vivax and P. ovale have liver-stage hypnozoites causing relapse; P. falciparum causes the most severe acute disease. This information materially affects the rating.
Instead: Know your species and state it clearly to the examiner. Reference laboratory documentation confirming the species. If the species was never identified, state that and describe your symptom pattern.
Impact: All levels - particularly relevant for relapse-based ratings
Prep Checklist
Before Your Exam
Day Of
During the Exam
After the Exam
Your Rights During a C&P Exam
- You have the right to a thorough, adequate C&P examination. If the examination is inadequate (e.g., the examiner did not review your records, did not ask about all symptoms, or provided a conclusory opinion without rationale), you can request a new examination.
- You have the right to know the basis of any rating decision. VA must provide a Statement of the Case (SOC) explaining the evidence and reasoning behind the decision.
- You have the right to submit additional evidence at any stage of the claims process, including private medical opinions, lay statements, and buddy statements.
- You have the right to request an independent medical examination (IME) from a private physician to rebut an unfavorable VA examination.
- In most states, you have the right to record your C&P examination. Check your state's recording laws and notify the examiner before beginning. Confirm with your VSO or accredited attorney whether recording is permitted at your specific exam location.
- You have the right to have a VSO representative, accredited claims agent, or VA-accredited attorney present at your C&P exam as an observer.
- You have the right to appeal a rating decision through the AMA (Appeals Modernization Act) lanes: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board of Veterans' Appeals.
- You have the right to a nexus opinion addressing whether your condition is related to military service. If the examiner fails to provide an adequate nexus opinion, this constitutes an inadequate examination that can be challenged.
- Under the duty to assist (38 CFR 3.159), VA must help you obtain relevant records, including service treatment records and DoD medical records, before adjudicating your claim.
- You have the right to submit a Disability Benefits Questionnaire completed by your private treating physician, which VA must consider as competent medical evidence.
- You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect during your C&P examination. If you feel the examiner is dismissive, hostile, or biased, document the interaction and report it to your VSO or the VA Patient Advocate.
- Under 38 CFR 3.102, VA must give the benefit of the doubt to the veteran when there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the claim.
Related Conditions
- Anemia (Malarial) Secondary condition malaria causes hemolytic anemia through destruction of red blood cells. Persistent or recurrent anemia following malarial episodes may be separately ratable as a secondary service connected condition.
- Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) Secondary condition chronic or hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly results from repeated immune activation of the spleen. May be ratable separately and carries risk of splenic rupture.
- Hepatomegaly / Malarial Hepatitis Secondary condition hepatic involvement from malaria can cause hepatomegaly, elevated liver enzymes, and jaundice. Chronic hepatic disease may be separately ratable.
- Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count) Secondary condition significant thrombocytopenia is a hallmark of malaria and may persist or recur. May be separately ratable depending on severity and functional impact.
- Cerebral Malaria Sequelae / Neurological Complications Secondary condition P. falciparum cerebral malaria can cause persistent neurological deficits, cognitive impairment, seizure disorder, or psychiatric conditions. These are separately ratable under appropriate diagnostic codes.
- Post-Malarial Neurological Syndrome (PMNS) Secondary condition a rare complication following artemisinin based treatment of severe P. falciparum malaria, causing acute neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms. If present, may support separate rating.
- Renal Impairment (Malarial Nephropathy) Secondary condition P. falciparum and P. malariae can cause acute kidney injury and chronic malarial nephropathy (quartan malarial nephropathy with P. malariae). Kidney disease with GFR reduction or nephrotic syndrome may be separately ratable.
- Pulmonary Complications of Severe Malaria Secondary condition severe P. falciparum malaria can cause ARDS and pulmonary edema. Chronic pulmonary sequelae may be separately ratable under respiratory diagnostic codes.
- Major Depressive Disorder / PTSD (related to severe illness) Secondary condition the psychological impact of severe, potentially life threatening malarial illness, prolonged hospitalization, or cerebral malaria may precipitate or exacerbate depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Consider evaluation for secondary mental health conditions.
- Dengue Fever (Hemorrhagic Fevers) Comorbid condition veterans deployed to malaria endemic regions are also at risk for dengue and other vector borne diseases. If dengue co infection occurred, it may be separately claimed under DC 6302 or the hemorrhagic fevers diagnostic code.
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This C&P exam preparation guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or claims advice. Always consult with a qualified Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative or VA-accredited attorney for guidance specific to your claim. Never exaggerate, minimize, or fabricate symptoms during a C&P examination.