Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's Granulomatosis)

DC 6600Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6600

A rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels in the lungs, sinuses, and kidneys. It can cause lung nodules, chronic sinusitis, and kidney failure. The VA rates the pulmonary involvement based on lung function tests and may assign separate ratings for other affected organs.

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 6600

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6600. 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 granulomatosis with polyangiitis with FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted, or you require daily high-dose systemic steroids or immunosuppressive therapy, or you have cor pulmonale, or you have episodes of respiratory failure.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Daily high-dose immunosuppressive therapy
Cor pulmonale or respiratory failure
End-stage renal disease from vasculitis
Supplemental oxygen required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming separate ratings for each organ system affected — granulomatosis with polyangiitis commonly affects the sinuses (chronic sinusitis), kidneys (glomerulonephritis), and lungs, and each organ can receive a separate rating.
⚠Not getting c-ANCA (PR3-ANCA) blood testing — this is the primary diagnostic marker for the disease and is essential for establishing the diagnosis.
⚠Not documenting medication side effects from long-term immunosuppressive therapy — cyclophosphamide and other immunosuppressives cause significant side effects that should be claimed.
⚠Not requesting regular CT scans to document pulmonary changes — lung nodules, cavitary lesions, and fibrosis evolve over time and serial imaging shows disease progression.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (other than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

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Condition Rating Guides

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Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's Granulomatosis)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6600

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Daily high-dose immunosuppressive therapy
Cor pulmonale or respiratory failure
End-stage renal disease from vasculitis
Supplemental oxygen required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming separate ratings for each organ system affected — granulomatosis with polyangiitis commonly affects the sinuses (chronic sinusitis), kidneys (glomerulonephritis), and lungs, and each organ can receive a separate rating.

⚠Not getting c-ANCA (PR3-ANCA) blood testing — this is the primary diagnostic marker for the disease and is essential for establishing the diagnosis.

⚠Not documenting medication side effects from long-term immunosuppressive therapy — cyclophosphamide and other immunosuppressives cause significant side effects that should be claimed.

⚠Not requesting regular CT scans to document pulmonary changes — lung nodules, cavitary lesions, and fibrosis evolve over time and serial imaging shows disease progression.