Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6830)

The VA rates Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis under Diagnostic Code 6830 at the following tiers: 100%. The minimum 100% rating requires: Active infection with systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or hemoptysis. The maximum 100% rating requires: Active infection with systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or hemoptysis.

Diagnostic Code 6830 is the VA rating identifier for Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis 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 Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis under DC 6830 is 100%. This tier requires: Active infection with systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or hemoptysis. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6830. 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 Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis 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 Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis 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 Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis 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.