Aspergillosis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6838)

The VA rates Aspergillosis under Diagnostic Code 6838 at the following tiers: 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted. The maximum 100% rating requires: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy.

Diagnostic Code 6838 is the VA rating identifier for Aspergillosis within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Aspergillosis under DC 6838 is 100%. This tier requires: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Aspergillosis alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Aspergillosis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6838. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Aspergillosis may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Aspergillosis requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.