Pulmonary Fibrosis (Interstitial Lung Disease)

DC 6833Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6833

A lung disease where the tissue in your lungs becomes thick and scarred, making it harder to breathe. The VA rates pulmonary fibrosis based on lung function tests, specifically your forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusion capacity (DLCO).

Rating Levels

Your lung function tests show FVC less than 50 percent predicted, or DLCO less than 40 percent predicted, or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption, or cor pulmonale, or you require outpatient oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted on PFT
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted on PFT
Maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescription
Episodes of acute respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting both FVC and DLCO measured during PFTs — the VA uses whichever test gives the higher rating.
⚠Pulmonary fibrosis is progressive — request re-evaluation as lung function declines over time.
⚠Not connecting pulmonary fibrosis to burn pit, asbestos, or other toxic exposure during service — these are common causes.
⚠Not filing for supplemental oxygen as a special monthly compensation need.

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 on PFT
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted on PFT
Maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescription
Episodes of acute respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting both FVC and DLCO measured during PFTs — the VA uses whichever test gives the higher rating.

⚠Pulmonary fibrosis is progressive — request re-evaluation as lung function declines over time.

⚠Not connecting pulmonary fibrosis to burn pit, asbestos, or other toxic exposure during service — these are common causes.

⚠Not filing for supplemental oxygen as a special monthly compensation need.