Lung Cancer Residuals

DC 6819Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6819

Lasting effects after lung cancer treatment. The VA gives a mandatory 100% rating during active cancer or treatment. After treatment ends, the 100% rating continues for 6 months, then the VA rates you based on how well your lungs work using breathing tests (FVC and DLCO).

Rating Levels

You have active lung cancer or are currently receiving treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation). This 100% rating is mandatory during active disease and continues for 6 months after your last treatment ends.

What the VA looks for

Lung cancer diagnosis confirmed by biopsy or pathology
Active treatment records (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
Oncology treatment plan documenting ongoing care
Date of last treatment for 6-month continuation tracking

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing about the mandatory 100% rating during treatment — if you have active lung cancer or are in treatment, you are entitled to 100% for the duration of treatment and 6 months after your last treatment ends. File immediately upon diagnosis.
⚠Missing the post-treatment re-evaluation — the VA will schedule a mandatory exam 6 months after treatment ends. Prepare by getting pulmonary function tests beforehand so you know your baseline. If the VA does not schedule this exam, request it yourself.
⚠Not connecting lung cancer to in-service exposures — burn pits (PACT Act), Agent Orange, asbestos, radiation, and other toxic exposures are common causes. The PACT Act expanded presumptive coverage for many toxic exposure cancers.
⚠Not filing for all residuals separately — lung surgery can cause chronic pain, reduced lung capacity, neuropathy from chemotherapy, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. File for each residual as a separate condition.
⚠Not getting both FVC and DLCO tested — after surgery that removes part of your lung, both tests may show different levels of impairment. The VA uses whichever gives the higher rating.

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…

Lung Cancer Residuals

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Lung cancer diagnosis confirmed by biopsy or pathology
Active treatment records (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation)
Oncology treatment plan documenting ongoing care
Date of last treatment for 6-month continuation tracking

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing about the mandatory 100% rating during treatment — if you have active lung cancer or are in treatment, you are entitled to 100% for the duration of treatment and 6 months after your last treatment ends. File immediately upon diagnosis.

⚠Missing the post-treatment re-evaluation — the VA will schedule a mandatory exam 6 months after treatment ends. Prepare by getting pulmonary function tests beforehand so you know your baseline. If the VA does not schedule this exam, request it yourself.

⚠Not connecting lung cancer to in-service exposures — burn pits (PACT Act), Agent Orange, asbestos, radiation, and other toxic exposures are common causes. The PACT Act expanded presumptive coverage for many toxic exposure cancers.

⚠Not filing for all residuals separately — lung surgery can cause chronic pain, reduced lung capacity, neuropathy from chemotherapy, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. File for each residual as a separate condition.

⚠Not getting both FVC and DLCO tested — after surgery that removes part of your lung, both tests may show different levels of impairment. The VA uses whichever gives the higher rating.