Reference: 38 CFR 4.97

What is the VA rating for Interstitial Lung Disease?

Review interstitial lung disease guidance covering the shared FVC/DLCO(SB)-based General Rating Formula for all 9 assigned diagnostic codes (DC 6825-6833: diffuse interstitial fibrosis, desquamative interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, eosinophilic granuloma, drug-induced and radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, pneumoconiosis, and asbestosis), plus the 100 percent tier's independent exercise-capacity, cor pulmonale/pulmonary hypertension, and oxygen-therapy alternatives.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

VA evaluates Interstitial Lung Disease based on 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6825-6833.

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Common Questions & FAQs

Overview

About this condition

VA evaluates Interstitial Lung Disease based on 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6825-6833.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6825-6833

Educational only. RatingScope does not diagnose, determine service connection, or predict a VA decision.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

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Variable

Highest listed pathway

Based on regulatory criteria.

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Official CFR language
Evaluated based on FVC, DLCO, or oxygen requirements.
Qualification explanation
Rated according to the schedule.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Official VA Forms & DBQs

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

Take the public DBQ to your private physician or review it prior to your C&P examination.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Interstitial Lung Disease

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Interstitial Lung Disease yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Interstitial Lung Disease.

Pulmonary Fibrosis & Interstitial Lung Disease: VA Rating Guide

Learn how the VA evaluates pulmonary fibrosis, asbestosis, silicosis, and interstitial lung disease under Diagnostic Code 6838, DLCO metrics, and PACT Act presumptions.

Restrictive Lung Disease VA Rating: FVC Tiers & 38 CFR 4.97

Learn how the VA evaluates restrictive lung disease, chest wall deformities, and diaphragmatic paralysis under 38 CFR 4.97 based on Forced Vital Capacity.

Pulmonary Function Tests in VA Disability Claims: PFT and Spirometry Guide

Learn how the VA interprets Pulmonary Function Tests (FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO) to assign disability ratings from 10% to 100% under 38 CFR 4.97.

PACT Act Respiratory Presumptive Conditions: Burn Pits and Airborne Hazards

Explore the complete list of respiratory conditions presumptively service-connected under the PACT Act (38 CFR 3.320) from burn pit and particulate exposure.

VA Respiratory Non-Combination Rules: 38 CFR 4.96 Explained

Learn why the VA does not combine respiratory conditions under 38 CFR 4.96(a), and how predominant ratings and rating elevations work.

Respiratory Cancers & Neoplasms: How VA Rates Lung & Airway Tumors

Understand how the VA evaluates lung cancer, bronchial tumors, and respiratory neoplasms under Diagnostic Code 6819, temporary 100% rules, and PACT Act presumptions.

What Is the PACT Act? Presumptive Conditions and Your VA Rating

The PACT Act expanded presumptive service connection for toxic exposures. Learn how presumptions work and how conditions are rated.

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VA Math & Combined Ratings

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Evidence Center

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