EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Silicosis
DC 6829 | 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6829 |
Silicosis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6829 of 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6829 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
Occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of silica dust, causing progressive fibrosis
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 showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
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