EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Residuals of Pneumonia
DC 6603 | 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6603 |
Residuals of Pneumonia is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6603 of 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6603 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 30% / 60% / 100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Chronic pulmonary impairment resulting from prior episodes of pneumonia
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
10%
FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent; or DLCO (SB) 66 to 80 percent predicted.
30%
FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent; or DLCO (SB) 56 to 65 percent predicted.
60%
FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent; or DLCO (SB) 40 to 55 percent predicted; or maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit).
100%
FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value; or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent; or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted; or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption; or cor pulmonale; or right ventricular hypertrophy; or pulmonary hypertension; or requires outpatient oxygen therapy.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026