Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

DC 6832Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6832

An allergic lung disease caused by breathing in certain dusts, molds, or chemicals that trigger inflammation in the lungs. Veterans may develop this from exposure to moldy barracks, agricultural dusts, or industrial chemicals during service. The VA rates this condition 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 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

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

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
End-stage pulmonary fibrosis on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not identifying and documenting the specific antigen exposure during service — detail the environment (moldy buildings, bird droppings, agricultural work, chemical handling) with dates and locations.
⚠Not getting a high-resolution CT scan — HRCT can show characteristic ground-glass opacities and mosaic attenuation patterns that distinguish hypersensitivity pneumonitis from other interstitial lung diseases.
⚠Not obtaining serum precipitin antibody testing — blood tests for specific antigens can confirm the allergic cause and strengthen the nexus to in-service exposure.
⚠Confusing acute episodes with chronic disease — if the condition has progressed to chronic fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, document the progressive worsening over time.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (Other Than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6832

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

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 require outpatient oxygen therapy, or you have cor pulmonale.

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
End-stage pulmonary fibrosis on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not identifying and documenting the specific antigen exposure during service — detail the environment (moldy buildings, bird droppings, agricultural work, chemical handling) with dates and locations.

⚠Not getting a high-resolution CT scan — HRCT can show characteristic ground-glass opacities and mosaic attenuation patterns that distinguish hypersensitivity pneumonitis from other interstitial lung diseases.

⚠Not obtaining serum precipitin antibody testing — blood tests for specific antigens can confirm the allergic cause and strengthen the nexus to in-service exposure.

⚠Confusing acute episodes with chronic disease — if the condition has progressed to chronic fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, document the progressive worsening over time.