Asbestosis

DC 6833Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6833

Lung scarring from inhaling asbestos fibers, common in Navy veterans with shipboard exposure and veterans in construction or demolition MOS. The VA rates asbestosis based on lung function tests.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 6833

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6833. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your lung function tests show FVC of less than 50 percent predicted, or DLCO (SB) of less than 40 percent predicted, or you have cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you require outpatient oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed
Advanced asbestosis on high-resolution CT

Common Pitfalls

⚠Asbestosis has a long latency period of 10 to 40 years after exposure — do not assume it is too late to file. The VA recognizes delayed-onset asbestos-related disease.
⚠Not getting a CT chest showing pleural plaques or interstitial changes — imaging evidence is critical for establishing the diagnosis and linking it to asbestos exposure.
⚠Navy and shipyard veterans have presumptive exposure to asbestos — document your duty stations and ship assignments as part of your exposure history.
⚠Consider also filing for pleural plaques as a separate condition — they are independently ratable and can be documented on chest CT even if lung function is not yet significantly impaired.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (Other Than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Asbestosis or rated under the same body system.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory

Bronchial Asthma

DC 6602·Respiratory

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DC 6604·Respiratory

Allergic Rhinitis

DC 6522·Respiratory

Chronic Sinusitis

DC 6510·Respiratory

Pulmonary Embolism (Residuals)

DC 6817·Respiratory

Sarcoidosis

DC 6846·Respiratory

Bronchiectasis

DC 6601·Respiratory

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6833

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed
Advanced asbestosis on high-resolution CT

Common Pitfalls

⚠Asbestosis has a long latency period of 10 to 40 years after exposure — do not assume it is too late to file. The VA recognizes delayed-onset asbestos-related disease.

⚠Not getting a CT chest showing pleural plaques or interstitial changes — imaging evidence is critical for establishing the diagnosis and linking it to asbestos exposure.

⚠Navy and shipyard veterans have presumptive exposure to asbestos — document your duty stations and ship assignments as part of your exposure history.

⚠Consider also filing for pleural plaques as a separate condition — they are independently ratable and can be documented on chest CT even if lung function is not yet significantly impaired.