Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6844)
The VA rates Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6844, 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.
What are the VA rating criteria for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?
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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?
The VA rates Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) under Diagnostic Code 6844 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 6844?
Diagnostic Code 6844 is the VA rating identifier for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?
The highest schedular rating for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) under DC 6844 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) ratings?
Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6844. 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 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) 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 do I need to establish service connection for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)?
Service connection for Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.) 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.
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