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Evidence checklist

Pleural Effusion Residuals

DC 684538 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 2 collected
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) documenting restrictive impairmentCritical

Spirometry and DLCO documenting any residual restrictive ventilatory defect or reduced diffusing capacity caused by pleural fibrosis or trapped lung following a significant effusion.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking pleural effusion to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting the pleural effusion to an in-service condition such as chest trauma, pneumonia, empyema, or a service-connected systemic disease (heart failure, malignancy, or connective tissue disease).

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Documentation of dyspnea and exercise limitation

Medical records documenting persistent dyspnea on exertion, reduced exercise tolerance, and activity limitations caused by the residual pleural disease.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Chest imaging documenting effusion history and residual pleural changesCritical

Chest X-ray or CT scan from the acute event and current imaging documenting residual pleural thickening, trapped lung, pleural calcification, or pleural fibrosis following resolution of the effusion.

VA or private records · written request
Thoracentesis or pleural biopsy records

Pleural fluid analysis and any pleural biopsy pathology documenting the etiology of the effusion (exudate vs. transudate, infection, malignancy).

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 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 →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Respiratory ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing PFT values, imaging findings, and functional impact of pleural effusion residuals.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
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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