Sarcoidosis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6846)
The VA rates Sarcoidosis under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6846, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment. Related conditions in the Respiratory body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Sarcoidosis?
Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without symptoms or physiologic impairment
Pulmonary involvement with persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose (maintenance) or intermittent corticosteroids
Pulmonary involvement requiring systemic high dose (therapeutic) corticosteroids for control
Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment
“Pulmonary involvement requiring systemic high dose (therapeutic) corticosteroids for control”
How does the VA rate Respiratory conditions?
Common Questions About Sarcoidosis VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Sarcoidosis?
The VA rates Sarcoidosis under Diagnostic Code 6846 at the following tiers: 0%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without symptoms or physiologic impairment. The maximum 100% rating requires: Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment.
What is Diagnostic Code 6846?
Diagnostic Code 6846 is the VA rating identifier for Sarcoidosis 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 Sarcoidosis?
The highest schedular rating for Sarcoidosis under DC 6846 is 100%. This tier requires: Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Sarcoidosis 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 Sarcoidosis ratings?
Sarcoidosis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6846. 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 Sarcoidosis?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Sarcoidosis 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 Sarcoidosis?
Service connection for Sarcoidosis 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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