Nocardiosis
The VA rates Nocardiosis under Diagnostic Code 6823 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6823 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 20%, 30%, 50%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Nocardiosis?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Otherwise Note: Via General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: For two years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently |
| 20% | Following moderately advanced lesions, provided there is continued disability, emphysema, dyspnea on exertion, impairment of health, etc Note: Via General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: For two years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently |
| 30% | Thereafter, for five years, or to eleven years after date of inactivity Note: Via General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: For two years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently |
| 50% | Thereafter for four years, or in any event, to six years after date of inactivity Note: Via General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: For two years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently |
“Thereafter, for five years, or to eleven years after date of inactivity”
Common Questions About Nocardiosis VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Nocardiosis?
The VA rates Nocardiosis under Diagnostic Code 6823 at 0%, 20%, 30%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Otherwise. The maximum 50% rating requires: Thereafter for four years, or in any event, to six years after date of inactivity.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Nocardiosis?
The VA rates Nocardiosis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6823, 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 50% rating for Nocardiosis?
A 0% rating requires: Otherwise. A 50% rating requires: Thereafter for four years, or in any event, to six years after date of inactivity. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Nocardiosis qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Nocardiosis maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Nocardiosis?
The key evidence for Nocardiosis 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 Nocardiosis?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6823 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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