How To Qualify For VA Disability Ratings For Pulmonary Fibrosis?

To get VA disability benefits, veterans need an honorable military discharge, and they must apply to the VA. Eligibility hinges on having a "service-connected" disability or illness, meaning it was caused or worsened during active duty or by another service-related condition.

Eligibility For A VA Disability Rating For Pulmonary Fibrosis

To qualify for VA compensation for pulmonary fibrosis, you must initially receive a diagnosis from a doctor and present evidence that your condition is connected to your military service.

To do so, you must furnish evidence that:

• You encountered hazardous substances during your military service;
• You were diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis within a year of completing your active duty;
• Your symptoms deteriorated following your departure from active duty; or
• Another service-connected condition caused or exacerbated your condition.

A medical nexus letter is necessary to establish the connection between your diagnosis and either your in-service event or a service-connected condition. Additionally, you must furnish medical records demonstrating that your symptoms align with the VA's rating schedule criteria to be eligible for a higher VA rating. The higher the disability rating the VBA assigns, the greater your monthly compensation.

It's crucial to understand that every case is evaluated independently, considering individual circumstances. Therefore, it's advisable to seek guidance from a veterans' benefits specialist when applying for compensation through the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).

By following this approach, you can make certain that you collect and submit all required documentation with precision, minimizing the risk of delaying your application process or compromising your eligibility status.

How The VA Assigns Disability Rating For Pulmonary Fibrosis?

The VA evaluates medical evidence from civilian and military healthcare providers and other pertinent evidence to determine a rating. This evidence encompasses patient history, conclusions drawn from X-ray or CT scans, laboratory results, and challenges in performing daily activities.

Moreover, applicants can also provide a comprehensive Statement in Support of Claim form describing how pulmonary fibrosis adversely affects their life and their capacity to manage daily tasks. This aspect, referred to as symptomatology, should be elaborated upon in the Statement in Support of Claim Form. It enables the VA to evaluate the applicant's degree of disability more accurately.

VA Disability Ratings For Pulmonary Fibrosis

A veteran diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis as part of their restrictive lung disease will be assessed using the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833).

10% VA Rating: A 10% rating applies to a Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) of 75 percent to 80 percent predicted or DLCO (SB) of 66 percent to 80 percent predicted.

30% VA Rating: A 30% rating necessitates an FVC between 65 percent to 74 percent predicted, or DLCO (SB) ranging from 56 percent to 65 percent predicted.

60% VA Rating: A 60% rating necessitates an FVC ranging from 50 percent to 64 percent of the predicted value, a DLCO (SB) in the range of 40 percent to 55 percent of the expected value or a maximum exercise capacity between 15 to 20 ml/kg/min of oxygen consumption with a cardiorespiratory limitation.

100% VA Rating: A 100% rating is assigned when:

• There's a Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) under 50 percent of the predicted value;
• The Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide measured through the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) falls below 40 percent of the expected value;
• Maximum exercise capacity is below 15 ml/kg/min with cardiorespiratory limitation;
• There's cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension; or
• Outpatient oxygen therapy is required.

Individuals seeking to challenge their VA disability rating decision have the option to pursue a Higher Level Review or Supplemental Appeal. If they believe their service-connected condition deserves a higher rating than the VA initially granted, they can also appeal their VA rating decision.