Beryllium Sensitization

DC 6832Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6832

An immune reaction to beryllium dust or fumes from military work with metals, nuclear weapons, or aerospace equipment. A positive blood test (BeLPT) shows your body reacts to beryllium. It can progress to chronic beryllium disease with lung scarring. The VA rates it based on whether you have just sensitization or active lung disease.

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 6832

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6832. 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

You have severe chronic beryllium disease with FEV-1 or DLCO less than 40 percent predicted, or you have cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, or need oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Outpatient oxygen therapy required
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension diagnosis
Severe pulmonary fibrosis on imaging
Total occupational impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a BeLPT test — many veterans exposed to beryllium do not know they can request this specific blood test. Ask your doctor if you worked with metals, ceramics, nuclear materials, or aerospace components.
⚠Not documenting your military occupational specialty (MOS) and specific duties involving beryllium — the VA needs to know exactly how you were exposed, such as machining beryllium alloys or working in nuclear facilities.
⚠Not monitoring lung function over time — beryllium sensitization can progress to active disease years later. Get annual PFTs and chest CTs to document any decline.
⚠Not filing at the sensitization stage — even without active lung disease, a positive BeLPT with documented exposure can establish service connection, making it easier to get a higher rating if the disease progresses.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions

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Condition Rating Guides

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Beryllium Sensitization

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6832

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe chronic beryllium disease with FEV-1 or DLCO less than 40 percent predicted, or you have cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, or need oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Outpatient oxygen therapy required
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension diagnosis
Severe pulmonary fibrosis on imaging
Total occupational impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a BeLPT test — many veterans exposed to beryllium do not know they can request this specific blood test. Ask your doctor if you worked with metals, ceramics, nuclear materials, or aerospace components.

⚠Not documenting your military occupational specialty (MOS) and specific duties involving beryllium — the VA needs to know exactly how you were exposed, such as machining beryllium alloys or working in nuclear facilities.

⚠Not monitoring lung function over time — beryllium sensitization can progress to active disease years later. Get annual PFTs and chest CTs to document any decline.

⚠Not filing at the sensitization stage — even without active lung disease, a positive BeLPT with documented exposure can establish service connection, making it easier to get a higher rating if the disease progresses.