DC 6833Respiratory System38 CFR § 4.97Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Asbestosis.

The VA rates Asbestosis. under Diagnostic Code 6833 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.

Also available: View rating schedule for DC 6833

Rating schedule — DC 6833 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
4

10%, 30%, 60%, 100%

CFR section
§ 4.97

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Respiratory System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Asbestosis.?

RatingCriteria
10%

FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted

30%

FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted

60%

FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation

100%

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy

FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation

Common Questions About Asbestosis. VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Asbestosis.?

The VA rates Asbestosis. under Diagnostic Code 6833 at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted. The maximum 100% rating requires: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Asbestosis.?

The VA rates Asbestosis. under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6833, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 10% and a 100% rating for Asbestosis.?

A 10% rating requires: FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted. A 100% rating requires: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Asbestosis. qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Asbestosis. alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Asbestosis.?

The key evidence for Asbestosis. is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Asbestosis.?

The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6833 rating criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) drive the rating. The examiner measures FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO. Test during symptomatic periods when possible — stable periods produce higher numbers that may underrate your condition.

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