Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6721)

The VA rates Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive under Diagnostic Code 6721 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Detected by X-ray only. The maximum 50% rating requires: Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.

Diagnostic Code 6721 is the VA rating identifier for Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive 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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive under DC 6721 is 50%. This tier requires: Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6721. 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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive 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 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, inactive 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.