VA Ratings for Pneumoconiosis and Other Interstitial Lung Diseases

When soldiers are exposed to sands and dust thrown up by helicopters, caravans and storms during their service, they sometimes will become affected by pneumoconiosis or other types of interstitial lung disease (a category of respiratory disorders that cause inflammation and/or scarring of the tissue and space around the air sacs in the lungs). Interstitial lung diseases can result from exposure to harmful materials such as asbestos, silica, coal dust, burn pit toxins, and chemical agents like Agent Orange.

Types of ILD and Their VA Rating Criteria

Pneumoconiosis (Diagnostic Code 6832) 

Pneumoconiosis arises from prolonged inhalation of inorganic dusts (e.g., coal, silica, asbestos), often in occupational or environmental settings such as military deployment. It specifically presents in veterans who inhaled Persian Gulf sand or dust. There is a wide range of severities for pneumoconiosis, but it is ultimately irreversible. The treatment available is utilized to help slow down the progression of the disease and improve day-to-day function.

Since there is a clear connection between pneumoconiosis and that it is an occupational hazard for veterans, it is a recognized diagnosis by the VA and can qualify you for VA benefits.

Pneumoconiosis is rated at 10%, 30%, 60% or 100% under DC 6832 using the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease, which is based on: 

• FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) % predicted
• DLCO (Diffusion Capacity for Carbon Monoxide) % predicted
• Requirement of oxygen therapy

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

IPF is a progressive and irreversible interstitial lung disease with no known cause. Veterans may experience chronic shortness of breath and fatigue. It is rated under DC 6825. See how to get a pulmonary fibrosis rating.  

Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH)

PAP is a build-up of surfactant in the lungs, often causing difficulty in breathing and reduced oxygenation. It is rated using DC 6827 under the general interstitial lung disease rating formula and symptoms are measured by FVC and DLCO. Oxygen therapy is a critical factor in higher ratings.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis results from inhalation of asbestos fibers, frequently linked to shipyard or construction-related military jobs. It is rated under DC 6833 using FVC and DLCO test values, and oxygen requirement. Find out more about asbestos exposure. 

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune condition causing granulomas in lung tissue. It is separately rated under DC 6846, but VA regulations also allow sarcoidosis to be rated analogously under the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease, if the primary manifestation is fibrotic or restrictive lung damage rather than system inflammation. However, the default and primary rating code remains DC 6846 unless a doctor or VA examiner explicity states the fibrotic changes should be rated under the ILD criteria. The rating criteria for sarcoidosis include:

• Need for systemic corticosteroids/immunosuppressants
• Chronic respiratory failure
• Frequent exacerbations

Unlike the rest of interstitial lung diseases, sarcoidosis may also involve other organ systems. See sarcoidosis ratings here. 

What Are the VA Ratings for Interstitial Lung Disease?  

The VA rates interstitial lung diseases under diagnostic codes from 6825 to 6833, with ratings of 10%, 30%, 60% or 100% determined by the predicted percentages for FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and DLCO (Diffusion Capacity for Carbon Monoxide) and by whether or not oxygen therapy is required. 

• FVC ≥75% predicted = 10% rating 
• FVC 50–74% = 30% rating 
• FVC 40–49% = 60% rating 
• FVC <40% = 100% rating 

100% is also warranted for DLCO of less than 40% or requirement of continuous or medically required outpatient oxygen therapy.

Is Interstitial Lung Disease a Presumptive Condition?

Veterans who served near toxic exposures such as burn pits and chemical defoliants in the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, or post-9/11 war theaters may now qualify for presumptive service connection. Interstitial Lung Disease is an umbrella term and specific ILDs such as constrictive bronchiolitis, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and other interstitial lung diseases are included in the PACT Act, which reduces the veteran’s burden of proof. If deployment dates are submitted and the location is confirmed, the VA will presume the disease is connected to the time in service.  

How to Get VA Disability for Interstitial Lung Disease 

Step 1: Diagnosis and Testing 

Obtain a formal medical diagnosis from a licensed physician or VA provider, specifying the type of interstitial lung disease (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, asbestosis). Veterans suspected of having ILDs typically undergo chest X-ray or CT scans (to detect fibrosis, nodules, or honeycombing) and Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): 

• Spirometry 
• Body plethysmography 
• Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) 
• Oxygen Saturation Testing  

Step 2: Establish Service Connection 

You must prove the interstitial lung disease is related to military service. If you don’t qualify for the VA presumption under the PACT Act, you can establish direct or secondary service connection. 

Direct Service Connection 

Show direct exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g. asbestos, toxic chemicals, dust storms) during active duty by submitting: 

• Service treatment records
• Deployment history
• Lay statements
• Expert nexus letter linking exposure to interstitial lung disease  

Secondary Service Connection

Interstitial lung diseases can be service-connected on a secondary basis if caused or aggravated by another condition that is already service-connected: 

• An Autoimmune Disease – Rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, dermatomyositis or polymyositis 
• GERD – Severe or chronic GERD may lead to microaspiration, which can trigger or worsen interstitial lung disease, especially chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) or aspiration-related pulmonary fibrosis 
• Cancer – Interstitial lung disease can result from chest radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy agents (bleomycin) used in cancer treatments, making it possible to establish secondary service connection if the cancer is service connected 
• Sarcoidosis – If sarcoidosis leads to fibrotic lung changes, then ILD or pulmonary fibrosis may be rated secondarily under DC 6846 
• Tuberculosis or Chronic Infections – Interstitial lung disease may develop as a post-infectious complication and qualify for benefits under diagnostic code 6731 (residuals of inactive pulmonary tuberculosis) 
• A Condition Treated with Medication Linked to ILD – Medications include Amiodarone (used for arrhythmia), Methotrexate (used for autoimmune conditions), and Nitrofurantoin   

Step 4: Attend a Compensation & Pension Exam 

VA will schedule a C&P exam to evaluate lung capacity, functional limitations, the severity of breathing issues and any need for oxygen therapy. Bring your medical records and explain symptoms in detail. See how to prepare for your C&P exam. 

Step 5: Receive the Rating Decision

Depending on the outcome of the evaluation process, the VA will issue a decision letter with the status (such as deferred, granted or denied), the disability rating and the effective date.

Step 6: Appeal the Decision

If denied or rated too low, you have the legal right to appeal through several channels within the VA’s decision review process: 

• Supplemental Claims (with new and relevant evidence) 
• Higher-Level Reviews (by a senior VA reviewer) 
• Board Appeals (with optional hearing before a Veterans Law Judge)   

Because interstitial lung disease claims often involve complex medical evidence, exposure histories, or secondary relationships to other conditions, working with an experienced VA-accredited attorney can greatly increase the chance of success. Get a free evaluation from our team to see how we can help you establish service connection and win the benefits you deserve. 

Content Reviewed by

Attorney Ursula Mecabe

Ursula has been a key advocate at Hill and Ponton since 2017, specializing in building strong evidence for veterans’ cases. She brings both passion and a personal commitment to serving those who have served our nation since she became an veteran disability attorney. With an impressive academic record—including significant research on systemic issues in the VA claims process that contribute to veteran poverty—Ursula is uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of veterans’ benefits and legal challenges.