Plain-language summaries explain the text; they do not decide whether any level applies.
100%
Official criteria
Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments, 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
Plain-language summary
Qualifying symptoms are nearly constant, almost completely restrict routine activity, and may sometimes prevent self-care.
60%
Official criteria
Qualifying symptoms 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
Plain-language summary
Use either the under-50%-of-pre-illness activity path or at least six weeks of qualifying incapacitation.
40%
Official criteria
Qualifying symptoms 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
Plain-language summary
Use either the 50%-to-75%-of-pre-illness activity path or four to less than six weeks of qualifying incapacitation.
20%
Official criteria
Qualifying symptoms 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
Plain-language summary
Use either the less-than-25% activity-reduction path or two to less than four weeks of qualifying incapacitation.
10%
Official criteria
Qualifying symptoms 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
Plain-language summary
Use either one to less than two weeks of qualifying incapacitation or continuous medication control.
Source record
38 CFR § 4.88b—Schedule of ratings, infectious diseases
38 CFR § 4.88b, DC 6354 · Effective Aug 11, 2019 · Reviewed Sep 11, 2026