Interstitial Lung Disease

DC 6825Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6825

A group of disorders causing progressive scarring of lung tissue, reducing oxygen transfer. Often linked to military exposures such as asbestos, chemicals, and burn pits. The VA rates interstitial lung disease 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 6825

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6825. 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 your maximum exercise capacity is less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or you have cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you require outpatient oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting DLCO testing — many facilities skip it during routine PFTs, but DLCO is critical for interstitial lung disease ratings and often shows worse impairment than FVC alone.
⚠Not documenting military exposure history under the PACT Act — if you served near burn pits or were exposed to chemicals or asbestos, this may qualify for presumptive service connection.
⚠Interstitial lung disease is progressive — regular PFTs every 6 to 12 months show decline over time, which supports claims for increased ratings.
⚠Not connecting to specific in-service exposures such as burn pits, industrial chemicals, or asbestos — a detailed exposure history and nexus letter linking exposure to lung damage strengthens your claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (Other Than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Interstitial Lung Disease or rated under the same body system.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory

Bronchial Asthma

DC 6602·Respiratory

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DC 6604·Respiratory

Allergic Rhinitis

DC 6522·Respiratory

Chronic Sinusitis

DC 6510·Respiratory

Pulmonary Embolism (Residuals)

DC 6817·Respiratory

Sarcoidosis

DC 6846·Respiratory

Bronchiectasis

DC 6601·Respiratory

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6825

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FVC less than 50% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting DLCO testing — many facilities skip it during routine PFTs, but DLCO is critical for interstitial lung disease ratings and often shows worse impairment than FVC alone.

⚠Not documenting military exposure history under the PACT Act — if you served near burn pits or were exposed to chemicals or asbestos, this may qualify for presumptive service connection.

⚠Interstitial lung disease is progressive — regular PFTs every 6 to 12 months show decline over time, which supports claims for increased ratings.

⚠Not connecting to specific in-service exposures such as burn pits, industrial chemicals, or asbestos — a detailed exposure history and nexus letter linking exposure to lung damage strengthens your claim.