Pulmonary Vascular Disease — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6817)

The VA rates Pulmonary Vascular Disease under Diagnostic Code 6817 at the following tiers: 0%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic, following resolution of pulmonary thromboembolism. The maximum 100% rating requires: Primary pulmonary hypertension, or; chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale, or; pulmonary hypertension secondary to other obstructive disease of pulmonary arteries or veins with evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy or cor pulmonale.

Diagnostic Code 6817 is the VA rating identifier for Pulmonary Vascular Disease 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 Pulmonary Vascular Disease under DC 6817 is 100%. This tier requires: Primary pulmonary hypertension, or; chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale, or; pulmonary hypertension secondary to other obstructive disease of pulmonary arteries or veins with evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy or cor pulmonale. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Pulmonary Vascular Disease alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Pulmonary Vascular Disease is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6817. 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 Pulmonary Vascular Disease 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 Pulmonary Vascular Disease 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.