★ Respiratory / PACT Act
Pleuritis VA Rating
PACT Act presumptive; rated under 38 CFR § 4.97 (analogous, e.g., DC 6845)
Overview
Often a manifestation of post-deployment lung injury or autoimmune process.
Rated analogously under restrictive-lung disease codes when chronic restriction is present.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Presumptive (PACT Act).
- Direct: in-service pleurisy/empyema documentation.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from PACT Act presumptive; rated under 38 CFR § 4.97 (analogous, e.g., DC 6845)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Variable | Rated by PFT residuals and chronic pain (analogous DC). |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Imaging showing pleural thickening.
- Pulmonologist diagnosis.
- PFTs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Pleuritis 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.