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 (100% -- FEV-1 <40% predicted / 60% -- FEV-1 40-55% / 30% -- FEV-1 56-70% / 10% -- FEV-1 71-80%). 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)
100% -- FEV-1 <40% predicted
FEV-1 less than 40% of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or more than one attack per week with respiratory failure.
60% -- FEV-1 40-55%
FEV-1 40-55% of predicted, or monthly physician visits for exacerbations, or intermittent systemic corticosteroids.
30% -- FEV-1 56-70%
FEV-1 56-70% of predicted, or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.
10% -- FEV-1 71-80%
FEV-1 71-80% of predicted, or intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator 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.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026