Chronic Berylliosis

DC 6832Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6832

A lung disease caused by breathing in beryllium dust or fumes during military service. Beryllium is found in aerospace, nuclear, and electronics work. It causes the immune system to attack the lungs, leading to scarring and trouble breathing. The VA rates berylliosis based on lung function test results.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 6832

Rating range

10% – 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 chronic berylliosis with FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted, or you require supplemental oxygen, or you have cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Supplemental oxygen required
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension
End-stage pulmonary fibrosis
Lung transplant evaluation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) — this is the key diagnostic test that proves beryllium sensitization. Without it, the VA may not accept the diagnosis.
⚠Not documenting military occupational exposure to beryllium — service records showing work in aerospace, nuclear weapons, electronics, or ceramics manufacturing are essential to establish the connection.
⚠Not requesting both PFTs and DLCO testing — berylliosis primarily affects gas exchange, so DLCO may be more impaired than FEV-1 and could qualify for a higher rating.
⚠Not claiming the condition as presumptive if applicable — certain military occupational specialties with known beryllium exposure may qualify for presumptive service connection.

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…

Chronic Berylliosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6832

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Supplemental oxygen required
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension
End-stage pulmonary fibrosis
Lung transplant evaluation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) — this is the key diagnostic test that proves beryllium sensitization. Without it, the VA may not accept the diagnosis.

⚠Not documenting military occupational exposure to beryllium — service records showing work in aerospace, nuclear weapons, electronics, or ceramics manufacturing are essential to establish the connection.

⚠Not requesting both PFTs and DLCO testing — berylliosis primarily affects gas exchange, so DLCO may be more impaired than FEV-1 and could qualify for a higher rating.

⚠Not claiming the condition as presumptive if applicable — certain military occupational specialties with known beryllium exposure may qualify for presumptive service connection.