Diaphragm paralysis or paresis
The VA rates Diaphragm paralysis or paresis under Diagnostic Code 6840 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6840 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 30%, 50%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Healed and inactive mycotic lesions, asymptomatic Note: Via General Rating Formula for Mycotic Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6834 through 6839): |
| 30% | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough Note: Via General Rating Formula for Mycotic Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6834 through 6839): |
| 50% | Chronic pulmonary mycosis requiring suppressive therapy with no more than minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough Note: Via General Rating Formula for Mycotic Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6834 through 6839): |
| 100% | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis Note: Via General Rating Formula for Mycotic Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6834 through 6839): |
“Chronic pulmonary mycosis requiring suppressive therapy with no more than minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough”
Common Questions About Diaphragm paralysis or paresis VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
The VA rates Diaphragm paralysis or paresis under Diagnostic Code 6840 at 0%, 30%, 50%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Healed and inactive mycotic lesions, asymptomatic. The maximum 100% rating requires: Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
The VA rates Diaphragm paralysis or paresis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6840, 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 0% and a 100% rating for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
A 0% rating requires: Healed and inactive mycotic lesions, asymptomatic. A 100% rating requires: Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Diaphragm paralysis or paresis qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis 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 Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
The key evidence for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis 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 Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6840 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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