★ Respiratory / PACT Act
Pulmonary Fibrosis VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6825 (Diffuse Interstitial Fibrosis)
Overview
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and post-burn-pit fibrotic lung disease are both presumptive under PACT Act for qualifying veterans.
Ratings rely heavily on PFTs (FVC, DLCO) and oxygen requirement.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Presumptive (PACT Act).
- Direct: documented in-service inhalational exposure.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6825 (Diffuse Interstitial Fibrosis)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | FVC 75–80% predicted, or DLCO (SB) 66–80% predicted. |
| 30% | FVC 65–74% predicted, or DLCO (SB) 56–65% predicted. |
| 60% | FVC 50–64% predicted, or DLCO (SB) 40–55% predicted, or maximum exercise capacity 15–20 ml/kg/min O₂ consumption. |
| 100% | FVC < 50%, DLCO < 40%, max exercise capacity ≤ 15, cor pulmonale, pulmonary HTN, or requires outpatient oxygen. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Recent PFTs (FVC, DLCO).
- High-resolution CT chest.
- Pulmonologist diagnosis.
- Burn pit registry / deployment records.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Pulmonary Fibrosis:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Pulmonary Fibrosis 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.