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Evidence checklist

Interstitial Lung Disease

DC 682538 CFR § 4.97Respiratory

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 4 collected
High-resolution CT scan of the chestCritical

HRCT imaging showing characteristic interstitial patterns such as ground-glass opacities, reticular changes, honeycombing, or traction bronchiectasis.

Private provider · independent opinion
PFTs with DLCO testingCritical

Pulmonary function tests including DLCO, which is often the most impaired measurement in interstitial lung disease and drives the VA rating.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking interstitial lung disease to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your interstitial lung disease to military exposures such as burn pits, chemicals, asbestos, or other toxic substances.

Private provider · independent opinion
Pulmonologist diagnosis and evaluationCritical

A formal diagnosis from a pulmonologist documenting the type of interstitial lung disease, severity, and prognosis.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records (medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehab)

Records documenting immunosuppressive therapy, supplemental oxygen requirements, and pulmonary rehabilitation participation.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 1 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Respiratory ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing PFT results, DLCO values, imaging findings, and functional limitations from interstitial lung disease.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of military exposures (burn pits, chemicals, asbestos)

Service records, deployment history, and PACT Act toxic exposure registry enrollment documenting exposure to respiratory hazards during service.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

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