Pneumothorax Residuals

DC 6843Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6843

Lasting effects from a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). The VA rates pneumothorax residuals under the restrictive lung disease criteria, based on how well your lungs work on breathing tests (FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO).

Rating Levels

Your lung function tests show FVC less than 50 percent predicted, or DLCO less than 40 percent predicted, or you have cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you need outpatient oxygen.

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted on PFT
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted on PFT
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescription
Episodes of acute respiratory failure
Severe restrictive lung disease documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Assuming the condition is "resolved" and not filing a claim — even after a pneumothorax heals, scarring and adhesions can permanently reduce lung function. Get pulmonary function tests to check for lasting damage.
⚠Not getting both FVC and DLCO measured during PFTs — the VA must use whichever test result gives you the higher rating. If only one is ordered, you may miss out on a better result.
⚠Not connecting the pneumothorax to an in-service event — document what caused it, whether that was blast exposure, chest trauma, surgery complications, or spontaneous pneumothorax during duty.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — a pneumothorax can lead to recurrent collapses, anxiety about breathing, chronic pain at the chest tube site, and exercise intolerance.
⚠Not requesting regular re-evaluations — lung function can decline over time due to scarring. If your breathing worsens, file for an increased 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…

Rating Levels

Your lung function tests show FVC less than 50 percent predicted, or DLCO less than 40 percent predicted, or you have cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you need outpatient oxygen.

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted on PFT
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted on PFT
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescription
Episodes of acute respiratory failure
Severe restrictive lung disease documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Assuming the condition is "resolved" and not filing a claim — even after a pneumothorax heals, scarring and adhesions can permanently reduce lung function. Get pulmonary function tests to check for lasting damage.

⚠Not getting both FVC and DLCO measured during PFTs — the VA must use whichever test result gives you the higher rating. If only one is ordered, you may miss out on a better result.

⚠Not connecting the pneumothorax to an in-service event — document what caused it, whether that was blast exposure, chest trauma, surgery complications, or spontaneous pneumothorax during duty.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — a pneumothorax can lead to recurrent collapses, anxiety about breathing, chronic pain at the chest tube site, and exercise intolerance.

⚠Not requesting regular re-evaluations — lung function can decline over time due to scarring. If your breathing worsens, file for an increased rating.