Skip to main content

Evidence checklist

Pulmonary Fibrosis (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 5 collected
High-resolution CT scan (HRCT) showing fibrotic patternCritical

HRCT is essential for diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis, demonstrating honeycombing, traction bronchiectasis, reticular changes, and subpleural basal predominance characteristic of UIP/IPF or other fibrotic patterns.

Private provider · independent opinion
PFTs including FVC, TLC (total lung capacity), and DLCOCritical

Comprehensive pulmonary function testing showing restrictive ventilatory defect (reduced FVC and TLC) and impaired gas exchange (reduced DLCO). The most impaired value drives the VA rating.

Private provider · independent opinion
Serial DLCO measurements documenting progressionCritical

Serial diffusion capacity results over time demonstrating progressive decline in gas exchange, a key prognostic marker in pulmonary fibrosis that supports the severity of the claim.

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

A medical opinion connecting your pulmonary fibrosis to in-service toxic exposures (burn pits, asbestos, chemical agents, radiation) or a service-connected condition such as sarcoidosis or connective tissue disease.

Private provider · independent opinion
Pulmonologist evaluation with multidisciplinary diagnosis

A specialist evaluation confirming the fibrosis type (IPF, NSIP, COP, etc.) and documenting severity, prognosis, and treatment plan. Multidisciplinary team diagnosis is the standard of care.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records (antifibrotic agents, oxygen therapy, lung transplant evaluation)

Records documenting antifibrotic therapy (nintedanib, pirfenidone), supplemental oxygen requirements at rest or exertion, pulmonary rehabilitation, and any lung transplant evaluation.

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 values, DLCO, oxygen requirements, and functional impact of pulmonary fibrosis.

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

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
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.