Education · 38 CFR § 4.97 · Lungs, nose, and throat (respiratory system) · not your rating · we do not file
Diaphragm paralysis or paresis VA rating (DC 6840)
VA rates diaphragm paralysis or paresis under diagnostic code 6840 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: Restrictive Lung Disease: Diaphragm paralysis or paresis.. 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; breathing test results (pulmonary function tests); and how often you need to urinate day and night, and any leaks or pads.
- 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 Restrictive Lung Disease
100% · “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”
60% · “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)”
30% · “FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted”
10% · “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”
Notes printed with this code
“Note (1): A 100-percent rating shall be assigned for pleurisy with empyema, with or without pleurocutaneous fistula, until resolved.”
“Note (2): Following episodes of total spontaneous pneumothorax, a rating of 100 percent shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission and shall continue for three months from the first day of the month after hospital discharge.”
“Note (3): Gunshot wounds of the pleural cavity with bullet or missile retained in lung, pain or discomfort on exertion, or with scattered rales or some limitation of excursion of diaphragm or of lower chest expansion shall be rated at least 20-percent disabling. Disabling injuries of shoulder girdle muscles (Groups I to IV) shall be separately rated and combined with ratings for respiratory involvement. Involvement of Muscle Group XXI (DC 5321), however, will not be separately rated.”
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.
- How often you need to urinate day and night, and any leaks or pads: usually found in treatment notes, prescriptions, or a log you kept that show how often, when those records exist.
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)
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Common questions
What percentages does the VA rating schedule list for Diaphragm paralysis or paresis (DC 6840)?
38 CFR § 4.97 lists 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100% for diagnostic code 6840. 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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