Pulmonary Vascular Disease
The VA rates Pulmonary Vascular Disease under Diagnostic Code 6817 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6817 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%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Pulmonary Vascular Disease?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic, following resolution of pulmonary thromboembolism |
| 30% | Symptomatic, following resolution of acute pulmonary embolism |
| 60% | Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism requiring anticoagulant therapy, or; following inferior vena cava surgery without evidence of pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular dysfunction |
| 100% | Primary pulmonary hypertension, or; chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale, or; pulmonary hypertension secondary to other obstructive disease of pulmonary arteries or veins with evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy or cor pulmonale |
“Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism requiring anticoagulant therapy, or; following inferior vena cava surgery without evidence of pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular dysfunction”
Common Questions About Pulmonary Vascular Disease VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Pulmonary Vascular Disease?
The VA rates Pulmonary Vascular Disease under Diagnostic Code 6817 at 0%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic, following resolution of pulmonary thromboembolism. The maximum 100% rating requires: Primary pulmonary hypertension, or; chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale, or; pulmonary hypertension secondary to other obstructive disease of pulmonary arteries or veins with evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy or cor pulmonale.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Pulmonary Vascular Disease?
The VA rates Pulmonary Vascular Disease under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6817, 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 Pulmonary Vascular Disease?
A 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic, following resolution of pulmonary thromboembolism. A 100% rating requires: Primary pulmonary hypertension, or; chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale, or; pulmonary hypertension secondary to other obstructive disease of pulmonary arteries or veins with evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy or cor pulmonale. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Pulmonary Vascular Disease qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Pulmonary Vascular Disease 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 Pulmonary Vascular Disease?
The key evidence for Pulmonary Vascular Disease 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 Pulmonary Vascular Disease?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6817 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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