Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs. Inactive or latent tuberculosis infection occurs when a person has been infected with the bacteria but does not have any symptoms of the disease.
The primary cause of pulmonary tuberculosis is the inhalation of bacteria from an infected person.
People with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV, are at a higher risk of developing active tuberculosis.
People who live or work in close proximity to an infected person are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis.
Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate nutrition can increase the risk of developing tuberculosis.
Older adults and young children are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis.
A small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected under the skin, and the reaction is observed after 48 to 72 hours to determine if the person has been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria.
A blood test may be performed to detect the presence of antibodies to tuberculosis bacteria.
A chest X-ray may show signs of tuberculosis infection, such as scarring or calcification in the lungs.
IGRAs are blood tests that detect the presence of tuberculosis bacteria in the body.
Depending on the specific findings, rate residuals as interstitial lung disease, restrictive lung disease, or, when obstructive lung disease is the major residual, as chronic bronchitis (DC 6600). Rate thoracoplasty as removal of ribs under DC 5297.
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy |
100 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit) |
60 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 30 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted |
10 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
More than six |
50 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Five or six |
40 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Three or four |
30 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Two 20 One or resection of two or more ribs without regeneration |
10 |
Note (1): The rating for rib resection or removal is not to be applied with ratings for purulent pleurisy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy or injuries of pleural cavity.
Note (2): However, rib resection will be considered as rib removal in thoracoplasty performed for collapse therapy or to accomplish obliteration of space and will be combined with the rating for lung collapse, or with the rating for lobectomy, pneumonectomy or the graduated ratings for pulmonary tuberculosis.
Note: A mandatory examination will be requested immediately following notification that active tuberculosis evaluated under DC 6730 has become inactive. Any change in evaluation will be carried out under the provisions of §3.105(e).
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