Pleural Effusion Residuals

DC 6845Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6845

Residual effects from fluid buildup between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity. The VA rates based on pulmonary function test results showing how well your lungs work after the effusion.

Rating Levels

Your lung function tests show FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted, or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min, or you have cor pulmonale (right heart failure), right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, or you require outpatient oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted on PFT
FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40%
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescription
Episodes of acute respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting post-treatment pulmonary function tests to document residual impairment — even after the fluid is drained, lasting damage to the lungs may persist.
⚠Not documenting ongoing symptoms like shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance in your medical records.
⚠Not connecting to in-service asbestos exposure, pneumonia, or chest trauma that caused the pleural effusion.
⚠If the effusion was caused by another service-connected condition, file as a secondary claim with a clear medical explanation of the connection.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (Other than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted on PFT
FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40%
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescription
Episodes of acute respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting post-treatment pulmonary function tests to document residual impairment — even after the fluid is drained, lasting damage to the lungs may persist.

⚠Not documenting ongoing symptoms like shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance in your medical records.

⚠Not connecting to in-service asbestos exposure, pneumonia, or chest trauma that caused the pleural effusion.

⚠If the effusion was caused by another service-connected condition, file as a secondary claim with a clear medical explanation of the connection.