Sarcoidosis
The VA rates Sarcoidosis under Diagnostic Code 6846 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6846 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 Sarcoidosis?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without symptoms or physiologic impairment |
| 30% | Pulmonary involvement with persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose (maintenance) or intermittent corticosteroids |
| 60% | Pulmonary involvement requiring systemic high dose (therapeutic) corticosteroids for control |
| 100% | Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment |
“Pulmonary involvement requiring systemic high dose (therapeutic) corticosteroids for control”
Common Questions About Sarcoidosis VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Sarcoidosis?
The VA rates Sarcoidosis under Diagnostic Code 6846 at 0%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without symptoms or physiologic impairment. The maximum 100% rating requires: Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Sarcoidosis?
The VA rates Sarcoidosis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6846, 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 Sarcoidosis?
A 0% rating requires: Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without symptoms or physiologic impairment. A 100% rating requires: Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Sarcoidosis qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Sarcoidosis 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 Sarcoidosis?
The key evidence for Sarcoidosis 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 Sarcoidosis?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6846 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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