Pulmonary Function Tests And VA Disability Ratings For Respiratory Disorders
Service in the military can frequently involve risks, and military members who come into contact with burn pits in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as jet fuel and other respiratory hazards due to their exposure, may develop conditions like asthma, bronchitis and COPD.
Veterans commonly experience pulmonary function disorders, which are also referred to as respiratory system disorders. These conditions impact various areas within the respiratory tract, including the nose and throat.
The VA acknowledges the necessity of providing VA disability benefits for ailments that impact the lungs or other components of the respiratory system. In this guide, you will better understand the VA pulmonary function test, its role in determining an appropriate VA disability rating, diagnostic codes for each pulmonary disorder, and the VA disability ratings depending on your conditions.
What Is VA Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)?
Because of the considerable variation in the particular characteristics of different pulmonary disorders, the VA employs pulmonary function tests to analyze the degree of disability in veterans, determining the level of support veterans will receive from the VA.
A pulmonary function test, or PFT, quantifies the average volume of air inhaled and exhaled. Additionally, it assesses the rate at which carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream over a specific timeframe, giving complete insights into the overall health of a veteran's breathing patterns.
Thankfully, PFTs are noninvasive and typically have a relatively short duration. Medical professionals utilize pulmonary function tests during the diagnosis of various conditions. They may conduct periodic PFTs following the initial test to assess whether the condition is improving or deteriorating.
Pulmonary function tests encompass the measurement of three key functions:
- Spirometry
- Diffusion capacity
- Lung volume and diffusion capacity within your lungs
These parameters gauge your respiratory efficiency and the amount of oxygen your lungs supply to your body during each breathing cycle.
VA Disability Ratings For Respiratory or Pulmonary Disorders
The VA employs Schedule of Ratings 38 CRF 4.97, specifically dedicated to the respiratory system, to assign VA compensation ratings for pulmonary disorders and related conditions. It encompasses impairments affecting the trachea, lungs, larynx, bronchi etc.
Based on the condition you are diagnosed with, the VA will assign several different VA diagnostic codes, including:
Diagnostic Code 6847 For Sleep Apnea
VA Disability ratings for sleep apnea span from 0% to 100%, signifying conditions ranging from no impairment to severe cases necessitating significant procedures like a tracheostomy due to chronic respiratory failure.
Diagnostic Code 6522 For Allergic Rhinitis
Rhinitis is occasionally a severe allergic reaction triggered by common allergens such as pollen or animal dander. To qualify for VA disability benefits, your rhinitis must be chronic, and the VA disability ratings for this condition can range from 10% to 30%.
Diagnostic Code 6600 To 6604 For Constrictive Bronchiolitis
A fibrotic respiratory ailment is characterized by inflammation in the airways. Although it's a relatively rare condition, it can result in disability ratings of up to 100%. Notably, it has affected numerous Veterans who served post-9/11.
Diagnostic Code 6602 For Asthma
This condition is known as bronchial asthma. To get a 100% VA disability rating, your FEV-1 rating should be under 40% compared to predicted results, or you should experience respiratory failure during more than one attack every week. You may also need to demonstrate the need for daily corticosteroids or similar medications. Disability ratings can go as low as 10%.
Diagnostic Code 6604 For COPD
This lung inflammation condition can receive a rating ranging from 10% to 100%.
Summary
VA pulmonary function tests are typically accurate for diagnosing and rating respiratory conditions. Yet, you might need to appeal claim denials, do extra tests, or navigate disability benefit complexities at times.
