DC 6731Respiratory System38 CFR § 4.97

Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive

The VA rates Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive under Diagnostic Code 6731 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 6731 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
50%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

0%, 20%, 30%, 50%

CFR section
§ 4.97

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Respiratory System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive?

RatingCriteria
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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive?

The VA rates Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive under Diagnostic Code 6731 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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive?

The VA rates Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6731, 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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive?

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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive qualify for TDIU?

Possibly. Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive 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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive?

The key evidence for Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive 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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive?

The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6731 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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