DC 6844Respiratory System38 CFR § 4.97

Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)

The VA rates Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) under Diagnostic Code 6844 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 6844 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
4

0%, 30%, 50%, 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?

RatingCriteria
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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?

The VA rates Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) under Diagnostic Code 6844 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?

The VA rates Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6844, 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?

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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?

The key evidence for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?

The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6844 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.

Get a Personalized Rating Analysis

VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.

Discover Your Benefits