Diaphragm paralysis or paresis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6840)
The VA rates Diaphragm paralysis or paresis under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6840, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis. Related conditions in the Respiratory body system share this rating framework.
Also available: View full condition details for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis
Rating schedule — DC 6840 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 30%, 50%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
Healed and inactive mycotic lesions, asymptomatic
Chronic pulmonary mycosis with minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough
Chronic pulmonary mycosis requiring suppressive therapy with no more than minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough
Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis
“Chronic pulmonary mycosis requiring suppressive therapy with no more than minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough”
How does the VA rate Respiratory conditions?
Common Questions About Diaphragm paralysis or paresis VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
The VA rates Diaphragm paralysis or paresis under Diagnostic Code 6840 at the following tiers: 0%, 30%, 50%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Healed and inactive mycotic lesions, asymptomatic. The maximum 100% rating requires: Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis.
What is Diagnostic Code 6840?
Diagnostic Code 6840 is the VA rating identifier for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis 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.
What is the highest rating for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
The highest schedular rating for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis under DC 6840 is 100%. This tier requires: Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Diaphragm paralysis or paresis alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Diaphragm paralysis or paresis ratings?
Diaphragm paralysis or paresis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6840. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Diaphragm paralysis or paresis may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis?
The key evidence for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis 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.
Can Diaphragm paralysis or paresis qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis 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.
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