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Evidence checklist

Pulmonary Hypertension

DC 681738 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
Echocardiogram documenting elevated pulmonary artery pressureCritical

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) estimating right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) as a non-invasive screen for pulmonary hypertension. An RVSP > 35-40 mmHg on echo prompts further evaluation.

Private provider · independent opinion
Right heart catheterization (RHC) confirming mPAPCritical

Right heart catheterization is the definitive diagnostic test, documenting mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP >= 25 mmHg at rest defines PH) and pulmonary vascular resistance.

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

A medical opinion connecting your pulmonary hypertension to a service-connected condition such as sleep apnea, pulmonary embolism, COPD, or sarcoidosis, or to direct in-service inhalational exposures.

Private provider · independent opinion
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) with DLCO

PFTs including diffusion capacity to document any associated lung disease contributing to or resulting from pulmonary hypertension and to quantify functional impairment.

Private provider · independent opinion
Six-minute walk test (6MWT) documenting exercise tolerance

Standardized functional test measuring exercise capacity. 6MWT distance is a validated measure of functional class in pulmonary hypertension and correlates with prognosis.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records (pulmonary vasodilators, oxygen, anticoagulation)

Records documenting PAH-specific therapy (phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclins), supplemental oxygen requirements, and anticoagulation.

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 hemodynamic data, PFT values, exercise tolerance, and functional limitations from pulmonary hypertension.

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

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