Interstitial Lung Disease

DC 6825Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6825

A group of disorders causing progressive scarring of lung tissue, reducing oxygen transfer. Often linked to military exposures such as asbestos, chemicals, and burn pits. The VA rates interstitial lung disease based on lung function tests.

Rating Levels

Your lung function tests show FVC of less than 50 percent predicted, or DLCO (SB) of less than 40 percent predicted, or your maximum exercise capacity is less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or you have cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you require outpatient oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting DLCO testing — many facilities skip it during routine PFTs, but DLCO is critical for interstitial lung disease ratings and often shows worse impairment than FVC alone.
⚠Not documenting military exposure history under the PACT Act — if you served near burn pits or were exposed to chemicals or asbestos, this may qualify for presumptive service connection.
⚠Interstitial lung disease is progressive — regular PFTs every 6 to 12 months show decline over time, which supports claims for increased ratings.
⚠Not connecting to specific in-service exposures such as burn pits, industrial chemicals, or asbestos — a detailed exposure history and nexus letter linking exposure to lung damage strengthens your claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (Other Than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting DLCO testing — many facilities skip it during routine PFTs, but DLCO is critical for interstitial lung disease ratings and often shows worse impairment than FVC alone.

⚠Not documenting military exposure history under the PACT Act — if you served near burn pits or were exposed to chemicals or asbestos, this may qualify for presumptive service connection.

⚠Interstitial lung disease is progressive — regular PFTs every 6 to 12 months show decline over time, which supports claims for increased ratings.

⚠Not connecting to specific in-service exposures such as burn pits, industrial chemicals, or asbestos — a detailed exposure history and nexus letter linking exposure to lung damage strengthens your claim.