ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for war exposure
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Exposure (to) › war”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding war exposure
The ICD-10-CM code for war exposure is Z65.5 (Exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Z65.5.
Within Z65, choose Z65.5 (Exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Conviction in civil and criminal proceedings without imprisonment (Z65.0), imprisonment and other incarceration (Z65.1), problems related to release from prison (Z65.2), problems related to other legal circumstances (Z65.3), victim of crime and terrorism (Z65.4), other specified problems related to psychosocial circumstances (Z65.8) and problem related to unspecified psychosocial circumstances (Z65.9).
Don't report Z65.5 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: target of perceived discrimination or persecution (Z60.5).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific war exposure codes (official index)
- theater, burn pits in Z77.32 — Contact with and (suspected) exposure to burn pits in war theater
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for Z65.5)
- target of perceived discrimination or persecution (Z60.5)
Common questions about war exposure ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for war exposure?
- Z65.5 — Exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Z77.32.
Is Z65.5 billable?
- Yes. Z65.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Z65.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- No. It is not acceptable as the principal diagnosis for an inpatient stay; it may be reported as a secondary diagnosis.
Is Z65.5 a CC or MCC?
- No. Z65.5 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.