★ Respiratory / PACT Act
Interstitial Lung Disease VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6825
Overview
ILD is an umbrella for many fibrotic and inflammatory lung diseases — many caused or accelerated by airborne hazard exposure.
Rated identically to pulmonary fibrosis under DC 6825.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Presumptive (PACT Act).
- Direct: documented inhalational exposure.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6825
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | FVC 75–80% or DLCO 66–80% predicted. |
| 30% | FVC 65–74% or DLCO 56–65% predicted. |
| 60% | FVC 50–64% or DLCO 40–55% predicted. |
| 100% | FVC < 50%, DLCO < 40%, cor pulmonale, or oxygen dependence. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- PFTs.
- HRCT chest.
- Pulmonology consult.
- Exposure documentation.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Interstitial Lung Disease:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Interstitial Lung Disease claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.