Chest Wall Restriction, Post-Surgical

DC 6845Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6845

Reduced ability to expand your chest fully after surgery such as thoracotomy, rib removal, or chest wall repair. This limits how much air your lungs can take in. The VA rates it based on pulmonary function tests showing a restrictive pattern.

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 6845

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6845. 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 FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or FVC less than 40 percent predicted, or DLCO less than 40 percent predicted, or you have cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, or require outpatient oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FVC less than 40% predicted
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Outpatient oxygen therapy required
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension diagnosis
Total occupational impairment from respiratory limitation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a PFT that includes FVC measurement — restrictive lung disease is best shown by reduced FVC, not just FEV-1. Make sure your PFT includes full spirometry.
⚠Not documenting the surgical history that caused the chest wall restriction — the VA needs to connect your current breathing limitation to a specific surgery or injury.
⚠Not requesting the examiner note whether the restrictive pattern is consistent with your surgical history — this closes the nexus gap between surgery and current impairment.
⚠Not claiming the surgical scar separately — thoracotomy and chest wall surgery scars are often painful or limit range of motion and can be rated under scar criteria.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6845

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FVC less than 40% predicted
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Outpatient oxygen therapy required
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension diagnosis
Total occupational impairment from respiratory limitation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a PFT that includes FVC measurement — restrictive lung disease is best shown by reduced FVC, not just FEV-1. Make sure your PFT includes full spirometry.

⚠Not documenting the surgical history that caused the chest wall restriction — the VA needs to connect your current breathing limitation to a specific surgery or injury.

⚠Not requesting the examiner note whether the restrictive pattern is consistent with your surgical history — this closes the nexus gap between surgery and current impairment.

⚠Not claiming the surgical scar separately — thoracotomy and chest wall surgery scars are often painful or limit range of motion and can be rated under scar criteria.