Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis
The VA rates Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis under Diagnostic Code 6845 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Catalog name: Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis..
Rating schedule — DC 6845 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit) |
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, 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 cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy |
“FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit)”
What other respiratory conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 6837CryptococcosisRated up to 100%
- 6838AspergillosisRated up to 100%
- 6839Mucormycosis.Rated up to 100%
- 6840Diaphragm paralysis or paresisRated up to 100%
- 6841Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiencyRated up to 100%
- 6842Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatumRated up to 100%
- 6843Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etcRated up to 100%
- 6844Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)Rated up to 100%
- 6846SarcoidosisRated up to 100%
- 6847Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)Rated up to 100%
What to do with a Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis rating
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- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- TDIU: 100 Percent VA Pay Without a 100 Percent RatingTDIU pays the 100% VA compensation rate without a 100% rating. See the percentage paths, the extraschedular route under 38 CFR 4.16(b), and how work affects it.
- P&T vs 100% VA Disability: What Is the Difference?Permanent and total (P&T) and a 100 percent VA rating are not the same thing. Here is what total, permanent, and protected each mean, and what P&T unlocks.
Common Questions About Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis?
The VA rates Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis under Diagnostic Code 6845 at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted. The maximum 100% rating requires: FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, 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 cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis?
The VA rates Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6845, published in 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 Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis?
A 10% rating requires: FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted. A 100% rating requires: FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, 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 cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, 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 Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis 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 Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis?
The key evidence for Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis 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 Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6845 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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