EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Lung Cancer VA Disability Rating
DC 6819 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.7
OVERVIEW
Lung cancer (respiratory cancers of the lung, bronchus, larynx, or trachea) is rated at 100% during active malignancy under DC 6819. It is presumptive for Agent Orange-exposed veterans (38 C.F.R. 3.309(e)) and may qualify under PACT Act toxic exposure presumptions for burn pit-exposed veterans. After treatment, rated on respiratory residuals.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% — Active disease or during treatment
100% during any active disease or treatment phase (surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy). Mandatory VA examination 6 months after cessation of treatment. If no recurrence, rate residuals.
Residuals — Post-surgical pulmonary dysfunction 60%
Post-lobectomy or pneumonectomy with FEV-1 less than 40% of predicted; or DLCO less than 40% predicted. Rate post-treatment residuals under the appropriate respiratory diagnostic code.
Residuals — Moderate pulmonary dysfunction
Post-treatment residuals: FEV-1 of 56-70% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56-70 percent, or DLCO 56-65% predicted. Rate under DC 6604 (COPD) or appropriate respiratory code by analogy.
Residuals — Mild pulmonary dysfunction
Post-treatment residuals: FEV-1 of 71-80% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71-80%, or DLCO 66-80% predicted. Minimum rating for ongoing respiratory limitation.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Pathology/biopsy confirming lung cancer diagnosis
-DD-214 showing Vietnam service or toxic exposure locations
-VA Burn Pit Registry enrollment (for PACT Act claims)
-Pulmonary function tests for post-treatment residuals
-Occupational/exposure history from service (asbestos, burn pits, diesel, chemicals)
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 9434/9413
Cancer diagnosis causes severe psychological distress.
DC 6604
Post-surgical lung capacity reduction.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.File immediately upon diagnosis. 100% begins from effective date.
2.Agent Orange: respiratory cancers are presumptive. No nexus needed.
3.PACT Act: the toxic exposure concession applies to any cancer in a veteran with documented toxic exposure.
4.Post-treatment, get full PFTs including DLCO for the highest possible residual rating.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.97, DC 6819 (Malignant neoplasms of the respiratory system)
100% during active disease or treatment. Mandatory VA examination 6 months after cessation of any treatment. If no recurrence or metastasis, rate on respiratory residuals using pulmonary function test criteria. PACT Act establishes lung cancer as a presumptive for qualifying burn pit exposure veterans.
DOLLAR IMPACT
100% during treatment pays $3,938.58/mo. Post-treatment respiratory residuals at 60%+ with dependents can exceed $2,000/mo ongoing.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026