Cryptococcosis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6837)

The VA rates Cryptococcosis under Diagnostic Code 6837 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 6837 is the VA rating identifier for Cryptococcosis 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 Cryptococcosis under DC 6837 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 Cryptococcosis alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Cryptococcosis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6837. 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 Cryptococcosis may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

The key evidence for Cryptococcosis depends on the body system. For respiratory conditions, pulmonary function test (PFT) results — specifically FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO values — directly determine the rating tier. Test during symptomatic periods when possible. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

Yes — a 100% rating for Cryptococcosis alone meets the single-disability TDIU threshold under 38 CFR § 4.16(a). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, compensation is paid at the 100% rate.