Lung Transplant Residuals

DC 6817Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6817

Residual effects after receiving a lung transplant, including the need for lifelong immunosuppressive medications and ongoing monitoring. The VA provides a 100 percent rating for one year following transplant, then rates based on residual lung function.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 6817

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6817. 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 had a lung transplant. A 100 percent rating is assigned for one year following the date of hospital admission for transplant surgery. After one year, the condition is rated on residuals with a minimum rating of 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Lung transplant surgical records
Hospital admission date for transplant
Post-transplant immunosuppressive medication list
Post-transplant pulmonary function tests

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing the claim immediately after transplant to start the 100 percent temporary rating — the clock starts from the date of hospital admission, and delays in filing can mean lost compensation.
⚠Not documenting all immunosuppressive medication side effects — transplant anti-rejection drugs cause significant side effects (kidney damage, diabetes, infections) that may warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not getting regular PFTs after the first year — the VA will re-evaluate your rating after the one-year 100 percent period, and current PFTs determine your ongoing rating.
⚠Not reporting signs of chronic rejection (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome) — declining FEV-1 may indicate rejection and supports maintaining a higher rating after the initial year.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (other than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

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Condition Rating Guides

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How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6817

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Lung transplant surgical records
Hospital admission date for transplant
Post-transplant immunosuppressive medication list
Post-transplant pulmonary function tests

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing the claim immediately after transplant to start the 100 percent temporary rating — the clock starts from the date of hospital admission, and delays in filing can mean lost compensation.

⚠Not documenting all immunosuppressive medication side effects — transplant anti-rejection drugs cause significant side effects (kidney damage, diabetes, infections) that may warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not getting regular PFTs after the first year — the VA will re-evaluate your rating after the one-year 100 percent period, and current PFTs determine your ongoing rating.

⚠Not reporting signs of chronic rejection (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome) — declining FEV-1 may indicate rejection and supports maintaining a higher rating after the initial year.