Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Pulmonary Vascular Disease is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6817, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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. Most claims establish the 0% or 30% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 6817 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 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?
Asymptomatic, following resolution of pulmonary thromboembolism
Symptomatic, following resolution of acute pulmonary embolism
Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism requiring anticoagulant therapy, or; following inferior vena cava surgery without evidence of pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular dysfunction
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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Pulmonary Vascular Disease may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Pulmonary Vascular Disease?
Service connection for Pulmonary Vascular Disease requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
What is the C&P exam like for Pulmonary Vascular Disease?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Pulmonary Vascular Disease uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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