What are the VA rating percentages for Pneumothorax (Residuals)?

Pneumothorax (Residuals) (DC 6843) is rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843. 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.

What rates 10% for Pneumothorax (Residuals) under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843 (DC 6843), a 10% rating for Pneumothorax (Residuals) requires: 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.

What rates 30% for Pneumothorax (Residuals) under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843 (DC 6843), a 30% rating for Pneumothorax (Residuals) requires: 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.

What happens during a C&P exam for Pneumothorax (Residuals)?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Pneumothorax (Residuals)

Q: What rates 60% for Pneumothorax (Residuals) under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843 (DC 6843), a 60% rating for Pneumothorax (Residuals) requires: 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).

Q: What rates 100% for Pneumothorax (Residuals) under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843 (DC 6843), a 100% rating for Pneumothorax (Residuals) requires: 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.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Pneumothorax (Residuals) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Pneumothorax (Residuals) claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 684338 C.F.R. § 4.97

Diagnostic Code

DC 6843

38 C.F.R. § 4.97

Rating Range

10–100%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Pneumothorax (Residuals) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6843 of 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6843 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.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Residual lung impairment from collapsed lung, including recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax

Rating Criteria

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.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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Tools

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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.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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