Education · 38 CFR § 4.97 · Lungs, nose, and throat (respiratory system) · not your rating · we do not file
Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis VA rating (DC 6830)
VA rates radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis under diagnostic code 6830 in 38 CFR § 4.97. The rule book lists 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100%. Below: each level in plain English, then the exact words.
Rule-book name: Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis.. Last checked against eCFR on 2026-10-10 (eCFR issue 2026-08-27). Official text: 38 CFR § 4.97 on eCFR.
Each rating level in plain English
- 100%: The published words look at: serious breathing failure, heart strain from breathing, or a breathing tube, shown in medical records; and breathing test results (pulmonary function tests).
- 60%: The published words look at: breathing test results (pulmonary function tests).
- 30%: The published words look at: breathing test results (pulmonary function tests).
- 10%: The published words look at: breathing test results (pulmonary function tests).
Plain words come from our reading aid for the published words. They never add a symptom. The quotes below are the rule.
Exact words in 38 CFR § 4.97
General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease
100% · “Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, 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 cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy”
60% · “FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation”
30% · “FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted”
10% · “FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted”
What records usually show this
VA reads these things from your records: service treatment records, VA and private treatment records, and the VA claim exam (C&P exam). The published words on this page talk about:
- Serious breathing failure, heart strain from breathing, or a breathing tube, shown in medical records: usually found in a test or exam result in your records. The rule book reads this number from the test, not from a statement.
- Breathing test results (pulmonary function tests): usually found in a test or exam result in your records. The rule book reads this number from the test, not from a statement.
Education only. This does not say you have any of these, and a record that mentions them does not decide a rating. Only write what is true for you. Evidence needed for your disability claim · VA claim exam (C&P exam)
Put your records next to these lines
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Common questions
What percentages does the VA rating schedule list for Radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonitis and fibrosis (DC 6830)?
38 CFR § 4.97 lists 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100% for diagnostic code 6830. VA decides which line fits from the evidence. This page is not your rating.
Where do these words come from?
They are quoted from the public eCFR copy of 38 CFR § 4.97, last checked 2026-10-10. The official page is linked on this page so you can check every word.
Does this page tell me what my rating will be?
No. It shows what the published rule book says. It does not predict a rating, a decision, or a dollar amount, and it does not say you have this condition.
Who can file a VA claim for me for free?
Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) can prepare and file a claim with you at no cost. VA lists accredited representatives on VA.gov. We do not file.
This page quotes the public VA rule book. It is not your rating and not your pay. We do not say you have this condition. We do not file. You, or a free accredited representative, file with VA.
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