6312 – Nontuberculosis mycobacterium infection

DBQ: Link to Index of DBQ/Exams by Disability for DC 6312

Definition

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are wounds or illnesses caused by Mycobacterium bacteria, except for those that cause tuberculosis and leprosy (Hansen’s disease). NTM can infect your lungs, skin, bones, lymph nodes or many organs in your body. M. avium complex (MAC) is the most common cause. NTM infections are treated with antibiotics.

Etiology

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are any illnesses caused by one of the bacteria in the genus (group) Mycobacterium.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms common to many types of nontuberculous mycobacteria infection include:

Fever.
Fatigue (extreme tiredness).
Weight loss.
Swollen lymph nodes.

Tests

Depending on where in your body you have symptoms, you might need the following tests or procedures:

Chest X-rays.
CT scans (computed tomography scans).
Bronchoscopy.
Biopsy.
Acid-fast bacilli test. Your provider uses a sample of sputum, blood or tissue to look for or grow (culture) mycobacteria.

Treatment

The specific antibiotics your provider prescribes depend on where your infection is and the species (type) of mycobacteria. You might be treated with a combination of:

Residuals

Special Considerations

May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% and/or other requirements/qualifications under 38 CFR §3.350 [Special monthly compensation ratings]. Also reference 38 CFR 3.155(d)(2)
This disease shall be granted service connection although not otherwise established as incurred in or aggravated by service if manifested to a compensable degree within the applicable time limits under §3.317 following service in the Persian Gulf [38 CFR 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities occurring in Persian Gulf Veterans] (38 CFR 3.317 (c)(2))

Notes

Continue the rating of 100 percent for the duration of treatment for active disease followed by a mandatory VA exam. If there is no relapse, rate on residuals. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter.
Confirm the recurrence of active infection by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing.
Rate under the appropriate body system any residual disability of infection which includes, but is not limited to, skin conditions and conditions of the respiratory, central nervous, musculoskeletal, ocular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems and those residuals listed in § 4.88c.