Pneumoconiosis (Occupational Lung Disease)

DC 6832Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6832

Lung disease caused by inhaling mineral or metalite dusts during military service, including silicosis, berylliosis, and other dust-related conditions. Common in construction, mining, and demolition MOS. Rated based on lung function tests.

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
Progressive massive fibrosis confirmed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting specific dust exposures during service — detail the types of dust (silica, beryllium, coal, cement) and the circumstances of exposure in your claim.
⚠Not getting a high-resolution CT scan — standard chest X-rays may miss early pneumoconiotic changes that are visible on HRCT.
⚠Pneumoconiosis is progressive and can worsen years after exposure ends — file for increase claims as lung function declines over time.
⚠Not connecting to PACT Act presumptives for toxic exposure — certain pneumoconioses may qualify for presumptive service connection under the PACT Act.

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

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
Progressive massive fibrosis confirmed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting specific dust exposures during service — detail the types of dust (silica, beryllium, coal, cement) and the circumstances of exposure in your claim.

⚠Not getting a high-resolution CT scan — standard chest X-rays may miss early pneumoconiotic changes that are visible on HRCT.

⚠Pneumoconiosis is progressive and can worsen years after exposure ends — file for increase claims as lung function declines over time.

⚠Not connecting to PACT Act presumptives for toxic exposure — certain pneumoconioses may qualify for presumptive service connection under the PACT Act.