Pleuritis VA Ratings and Service Connection 

For veterans, pleurisy (pleuritis) can often be associated with exposure to hazards such as burn pits, infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis, or even chest injuries. The thin lining around the lungs and chest wall becomes irritated or inflamed, causing sharp chest pain and affecting how lungs expand, which may limit the ability to exercise or even carry out daily tasks without discomfort. 

If there is evidence linking pleuritis to military service, veterans will be eligible for VA disability compensation, which provides monthly financial support, access to treatment, and other benefits designed to help manage the long-term effects of the illness. The key is establishing service connection according to VA requirements. 

How to Service Connect Pleuritis

Military service often places heavy strain on the lungs and chest, which can set the stage for pleuritis later in life. Injuries in combat, exposure to infections, and difficult living conditions during deployment can all create long-term damage that shows up as pleural inflammation. Unlike civilian cases, where pleuritis may follow a simple viral infection, veterans often face more severe triggers tied directly to their time in uniform. Common service-related causes include: 

• Chest trauma from shrapnel wounds, bullet injuries, or heavy blunt impacts. 
• Serious lung infections contracted during service, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. 
• Complications after surgery involving the lungs or chest wall. 
• Retained fragments like metal or debris in the chest that lead to long-lasting irritation. 
• Harsh conditions as a POW, including malnutrition and systemic illness that weakened lung health. 

By showing how pleuritis connects to these unique service circumstances, veterans can establish a stronger claim that their condition is not just coincidental but directly tied to military duty. There are several types of service connection: 

Direct Service Connection

For some veterans, pleuritis began while they were still on active duty. When this happens, the VA looks for three main elements before granting benefits: 

• Current medical diagnosis of pleuritis or its residuals, such as pleural effusion, scarring, or restricted lung capacity 
• Verified in-service event (chest injury, serious infection, or documented exposure) 
• Medical nexus – a qualified medical opinion linking the current condition to the in-service event 

Example: A soldier develops pleurisy after contracting pneumonia during deployment. Even after treatment, the illness leaves behind lung scarring. That scarring qualifies as a residual condition, making the claim eligible for direct service connection. 

Aggravation of Preexisting Pleuritis

Not every veteran develops pleuritis for the first time in service. Some may have entered with signs of the condition already noted in their medical records. In these cases, the VA considers whether military service made the illness worse. The law presumes that if your pleuritis became more severe during service, the aggravation is tied to your time in uniform unless the government can prove it was only the natural progression of the disease. 

For example, a recruit with a small pleural scar documented before enlistment may later contract a severe lung infection while serving overseas. If that infection causes additional scarring, chronic inflammation, or repeated effusions, the condition is considered aggravated by service. This distinction matters because aggravation can still lead to disability benefits, even if the illness did not originate in the military. 

Secondary Service Connection

In many cases, pleuritis develops as a complication of another health issue that is already service-connected. When this happens, veterans may qualify for secondary service connection, which allows pleuritis to be recognized as part of the chain of health problems caused or worsened by military service. 

For instance, a veteran who suffered a chest wound in combat may later develop recurrent pleural effusions because of scar tissue. Another example is a service-connected case of tuberculosis leading to tuberculous pleuritis. Even a lingering respiratory infection from deployment could leave behind chronic pleural inflammation that becomes a separate condition on its own. 

What sets secondary service connection apart is that pleuritis is still rated as its own disability, but the VA ties it back to the original service-connected illness or injury. This ensures that veterans are compensated fairly for the full impact of their health conditions rather than treating pleuritis as an unrelated problem. 

When Is Pleuritis Presumptive?

In certain cases, veterans do not need to prove every detail connecting pleuritis to their time in service. The VA has established rules for presumptive service connection, meaning if you meet specific conditions, the VA automatically accepts that your illness is related to service. This is especially important for veterans who faced exposures or hardships that are widely recognized as harmful to lung health. 

Pleuritis and the PACT Act

For example, the PACT Act expanded presumptions for veterans exposed to burn pits and airborne hazards. If you served in designated locations and time periods, pleuritis is considered presumptive without requiring further medical evidence of the link: 

• Service in the Southwest Asia theater on or after August 2, 1990, or  
• Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti, or Uzbekistan on or after September 19, 2001. 

Other VA Presumptions 

The PACT Act is not the only pathway. The VA has also created other presumptions based on long-standing evidence of how pleuritis can develop under unique service conditions. These protections recognize that not every veteran’s experience looks the same, and some endured hardships that created lifelong health risks. They apply to: 

• POWs – veterans who suffered extreme deprivation, illness, and confinement as prisoners of war 
• Veterans with tuberculosis leading to pleuritis shortly after discharge 

Both presumptions exist because medical history has shown clear connections between these circumstances and long-term pleural disease. 

The POW Presumption

Former prisoners of war were often exposed to conditions that weakened the body and damaged lung health. Malnutrition, untreated infections, and the strain of harsh confinement could create vulnerabilities that made pleuritis more likely to appear later in life. Because of this, the VA presumes pleuritis to be service connected when medical evidence supports the relationship to those experiences. See VA’s POW guidance. 

Presumptive Tuberculous Pleuritis 

Tuberculosis has long been recognized as a serious service-related illness. When it leads to pleuritis, the VA provides a presumption if the condition develops within 3 years after separation and reaches a compensable level. This rule ensures that veterans are not penalized if the disease appears after discharge but is still closely tied to the effects of their service. 

How to Get VA Disability for Pleuritis 

Building a successful disability claim for pleuritis requires showing not only that the condition exists, but also how it connects to service and how severe it is today. The VA looks for specific types of medical evidence and supporting documentation. By understanding what is required, veterans can give themselves the best chance at an accurate rating and a fair decision. 

Understand the Rating Criteria

The VA has rating standards for each Diagnostic Code it uses. Knowing which of these codes applies ensures you and your healthcare provider can supply the VA with the right medical evidence. Diagnostic Codes that may apply to pleuritis include: 

• DC 6833 – Suppurative pleuritis, rated under the interstitial lung disease criteria. 
• DC 6730 – Tuberculous pleuritis. 
• DC 6845 – Chronic pleuritis, rated by analogy to restrictive lung disease.

Get Medical Tests 

Medical tests are often the foundation of a pleuritis claim. They measure lung function, detect complications, and provide results the VA can use to evaluate severity. Veterans should work with their healthcare providers to complete these studies and ensure results are reported in the proper format.  

The VA’s rating system relies heavily on percentages and numbers, so the clearer and more specific your test results are, the stronger your claim will be. These tests also help doctors explain how pleuritis is affecting your breathing and overall health on a daily basis. Common tests the VA looks for include: 

• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): Measures FVC, FEV-1, and FEV-1/FVC ratios. 
• DLCO Test: Assesses how well the lungs exchange gases. 
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test: Evaluates oxygen use and exercise tolerance. 
• Echocardiogram or CT Scan: Helps detect pulmonary hypertension or fibrosis. 
• Blood Gas Studies: Shows whether oxygen levels drop under stress. 

Secure Medical Opinions 

Along with medical tests, a strong doctor’s statement is one of the most important parts of a pleuritis claim. The VA looks for more than just a diagnosis, they want to see an explanation that ties everything together. A well-written medical opinion can establish how pleuritis began, how it continues to affect you, and why it should be rated at a certain level. Without this type of expert opinion, even good test results may not fully support your claim. A helpful medical statement should include: 

• The diagnosis and whether pleuritis is chronic 
• The connection between your current symptoms and your military service (for direct service connection or aggravation) 
• An explanation of how your test results support a specific VA rating level 
• A statement about whether pleuritis prevents you from working, which may support a TDIU claim 

Apply for VA Disability

Once the evidence is ready, the next step is to file the claim. Choosing the correct form is important, since the VA processes each one differently. Submitting the wrong form or leaving out key information can delay the decision. A complete claim includes your test results, doctor’s statement, and any treatment notes that show how the condition has developed over time. You will need:

• VA Form 21-526EZ if you are filing an initial claim or requesting an increase 
• VA Form 20-0995 if you are making a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence 
• Recent PFT/DLCO test results 
• The physician’s statement or medical opinion 
• Treatment notes that document worsening symptoms or hospitalizations 
• Imaging reports such as X-rays or CT scans showing pleural thickening, effusion, or scarring 

 Our free eBook on VA benefits offers step-by-step guidance on gathering and submitting the right documents and building a successful case.   

Request a C&P Exam Re-evaluation (if needed) 

If you have already completed a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam but believe the results do not reflect the true severity of your pleuritis, you can request a new evaluation. This may be necessary if your condition has worsened since the exam or if the original assessment was incomplete. By asking for a re-examination, you provide the VA with updated information that better represents your current health. 

Veterans can also explain why the prior exam was inadequate. This is done by submitting VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, which allows you to outline in your own words the issues with the previous exam and why a new evaluation is needed. Providing this explanation ensures the VA understands why the earlier exam should not determine your rating. 

Appeal the VA Decision (if needed)

Even when veterans submit strong evidence, the VA may still deny a claim or assign a rating that does not match the real impact of pleuritis. Fortunately, the appeals process gives you the chance to challenge the decision and provide additional information. Appeals are a key safeguard that ensures veterans are not left without fair consideration when errors or oversights occur. Options for appeal may include: 

• Requesting a higher-level review of your case 
• Submitting a supplemental claim with new evidence 
• Filing a formal appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals 

Each path comes with different requirements and timelines, but all provide an opportunity to strengthen your claim and push for a more accurate decision. Our experienced lawyers may be able to handle the appeal on your behalf to win your rightful benefits.  

What Is the VA Rating for Pleuritis? 

The VA assigns disability ratings for pleuritis from 10% to 30%, 60% or 100%, by measuring how the condition limits lung function and overall respiratory health. The percentage you receive depends on the results of medical tests, such as pulmonary function studies, and the presence of serious complications. 

Different Diagnostic Codes apply depending on the type of pleuritis. Some forms are rated using criteria for interstitial or restrictive lung disease, while others are tied to tuberculosis. All rely on objective medical findings like test results and evidence of respiratory failure or the need for oxygen therapy. 

For suppurative pleuritis, also called empyema, or chronic pleuritis rated by analogy, the VA uses the criteria for interstitial lung disease: 

• 100% – FVC less than 50% predicted, or DLCO less than 40% predicted, or maximum exercise capacity under 15 ml/kg/min, or presence of cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, or a need for outpatient oxygen therapy. 
• 60% – FVC between 50–64% predicted, or DLCO between 40–55% predicted, or maximum exercise capacity 15–20 ml/kg/min with shortness of breath. 
• 30% – FVC between 65–74% predicted, or DLCO between 56–65% predicted. 
• 10% – FVC between 75–80% predicted, or DLCO between 66–80% predicted. 

VA Ratings for Chronic Pleural Effusion 

Chronic pleuritis may be rated under the diagnostic code for chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis, using restrictive lung disease criteria: 

• 100% – FEV-1 less than 40% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio under 40%, or DLCO less than 40%, or maximum exercise capacity under 15 ml/kg/min, or need for oxygen therapy, or signs of right heart failure (cor pulmonale) or pulmonary hypertension. 
• 60% – FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC between 40–55%, or DLCO between 40–55%, or maximum exercise capacity 15–20 ml/kg/min. 
• 30% – FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC between 56–70%, or DLCO between 56–65%. 
• 10% – FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC between 71–80%, or DLCO between 66–80%. 

VA Ratings for Tuberculous Pleuritis 

When pleuritis results from tuberculosis, the VA applies Diagnostic Code 6730. Ratings depend on whether the disease is active or inactive, and how much residual damage it caused: 

• 100% rating – Active tuberculosis. Veterans are entitled to this rating under the “old law” for at least two years after the disease becomes inactive. 
• After 2 years of inactivity, the VA re-evaluates the condition. Residual effects, such as scarring, reduced lung function, or fibrosis, are rated under the codes for obstructive or restrictive lung disease. 

How to Increase Your Pleuritis Rating

Sometimes the initial VA rating for pleuritis does not reflect the full impact of the condition. Over time, symptoms may worsen, or new complications may appear. When that happens, veterans can request a higher rating by submitting new evidence that shows their condition is more severe than before. 

The VA looks for recent test results, updated medical records, and doctor statements to confirm that the illness has progressed. Veterans should also be aware of options such as TDIU, which provides compensation at the 100% level if pleuritis prevents steady employment. In addition, if pleuritis has caused new health problems, those conditions may be claimed separately to increase overall compensation. 

Prove Your Condition Worsened 

To qualify for a higher disability rating, veterans must show that their pleuritis has become more severe since the last VA decision. The best way to do this is with updated medical evidence that documents changes in lung function and overall health. The VA will not assume the condition has worsened without proof, so it is up to the veteran to submit clear records. 

Hospitalization reports, imaging scans, and pulmonary test results can all demonstrate that pleuritis has progressed. Even physician notes that describe more frequent flare-ups, increased shortness of breath, or recurring infections can strengthen a claim. The goal is to provide the VA with a full picture of how the illness has changed over time so that the rating reflects current reality, not the condition as it once was.  

Seek Individual Unemployability (TDIU) 

Sometimes pleuritis causes more than breathing problems, it can make holding a steady job nearly impossible. Veterans who cannot maintain substantially gainful employment because of pleuritis may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This benefit pays at the 100% disability rate, even if the rating for pleuritis is lower. 

To qualify, veterans must show that their service-connected condition prevents them from working consistently. Medical statements that describe physical limitations, such as the inability to walk far without shortness of breath or needing frequent rest breaks, can help support the claim. Employment history that shows difficulty keeping jobs because of health issues may also strengthen the case. TDIU is meant to ensure veterans are not left without adequate support when their service-connected conditions block them from earning a living. 

If your claim was denied or underrated, our TDIU attorneys know exactly how to build a winning case on your behalf. Get a free case evaluation and we’ll point you in the right direction. 

Claim Additional Disabilities 

Pleuritis can trigger or worsen other health conditions over time. When this happens, veterans may be able to claim the related conditions as secondary disabilities. Doing so ensures that the VA recognizes the full scope of the illness instead of focusing only on pleuritis itself. 

For example, scar tissue from pleuritis may make the lungs more vulnerable to infections, leading to repeated bouts of pneumonia. Long-term breathing problems can strain the heart and cause pulmonary hypertension or even cor pulmonale. The physical toll may also contribute to anxiety or depression, which can be claimed as mental health conditions secondary to a chronic respiratory illness. 

Common Conditions Secondary to Pleuritis 

When these secondary conditions are tied to service-connected pleuritis, veterans can file additional claims, so the VA recognizes the full impact of their illness. Conditions commonly linked to pleuritis include: 

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Recurrent pleural infections can worsen overall lung function. 
• Pulmonary hypertension: Long-term low oxygen levels place stress on blood vessels in the lungs. 
• Cor pulmonale: Right-sided heart failure that develops because of pulmonary hypertension. 
• Recurrent pneumonia: Reduced lung expansion and scarring make infections more likely. 
• Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome or chest wall pain: Ongoing pain after surgery to treat pleuritis or effusions. 
• Intercostal neuralgia or chest wall muscle impairment: Nerve or muscle damage from surgery or chronic inflammation. 
• Sleep apnea or chronic sleep disturbance: Limited lung capacity and nighttime oxygen drop increase sleep-related problems. 
• Depression or anxiety: Mental health challenges often arise when veterans struggle with long-term breathing difficulties and chronic illness. 

By filing for these additional disabilities, veterans can receive compensation for how deeply pleuritis affects their daily life. If, however, the VA refuses to recognize the broader impact of pleuritis on your health and quality of life, please know that you are not alone and we are ready to stand with you. Get a free case evaluation here.