VA BENEFITS REFERENCE
The Respiratory System: Shared Criteria For DC 6840 Through 6845
Read the respiratory system criteria for DC 6840 through 6845: 6 listed codes, their distinct instructions, shared formulas and official notes.
Published criteria from 38 CFR 4.97, current through 2026-10-22. Historical decisions may require a different version. This reference does not diagnose a condition or determine an evaluation.
The Respiratory System · All Diagnostic Codes
DC 6840: Diaphragm Paralysis Or Paresis
Diagnostic code 6840 addresses Diaphragm paralysis or paresis. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 6840 Diaphragm paralysis or paresis. | |
| 1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter. | |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: Restrictive Lung Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 6840, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Do dated records describe the frequency and duration specified by this particular provision, using its definitions?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Regulatory Cross-References
- DC 5321: Group XXI. Function: Respiration. Muscles of respiration: Thoracic muscle group
- DC 6841: Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency
- DC 6842: Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum
- DC 6843: Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc
- DC 6844: Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)
- DC 6845: Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis
DC 6841: Spinal Cord Injury With Respiratory Insufficiency
Diagnostic code 6841 addresses Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 6841 Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency. | |
| 1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter. | |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: Restrictive Lung Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 6841, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Do dated records describe the frequency and duration specified by this particular provision, using its definitions?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Regulatory Cross-References
- DC 5321: Group XXI. Function: Respiration. Muscles of respiration: Thoracic muscle group
- DC 6840: Diaphragm paralysis or paresis
- DC 6842: Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum
- DC 6843: Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc
- DC 6844: Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)
- DC 6845: Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis
DC 6842: Kyphoscoliosis, Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum
Diagnostic code 6842 addresses Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 6842 Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum. | |
| 1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter. | |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: Restrictive Lung Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 6842, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Do dated records describe the frequency and duration specified by this particular provision, using its definitions?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Regulatory Cross-References
- DC 5321: Group XXI. Function: Respiration. Muscles of respiration: Thoracic muscle group
- DC 6840: Diaphragm paralysis or paresis
- DC 6841: Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency
- DC 6843: Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc
- DC 6844: Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)
- DC 6845: Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis
DC 6843: Traumatic Chest Wall Defect, Pneumothorax, Hernia, Etc
Diagnostic code 6843 addresses Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 6843 Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc. | |
| 1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter. | |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: Restrictive Lung Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 6843, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Do dated records describe the frequency and duration specified by this particular provision, using its definitions?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Regulatory Cross-References
- DC 5321: Group XXI. Function: Respiration. Muscles of respiration: Thoracic muscle group
- DC 6840: Diaphragm paralysis or paresis
- DC 6841: Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency
- DC 6842: Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum
- DC 6844: Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)
- DC 6845: Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis
DC 6844: Post-Surgical Residual (Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy, Etc.)
Diagnostic code 6844 addresses Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.). Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 6844 Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.). | |
| 1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter. | |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: Restrictive Lung Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 6844, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Do dated records describe the frequency and duration specified by this particular provision, using its definitions?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Regulatory Cross-References
- DC 5321: Group XXI. Function: Respiration. Muscles of respiration: Thoracic muscle group
- DC 6840: Diaphragm paralysis or paresis
- DC 6841: Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency
- DC 6842: Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum
- DC 6843: Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc
- DC 6845: Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis
DC 6845: Chronic Pleural Effusion Or Fibrosis
Diagnostic code 6845 addresses Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 6845 Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis. | |
| 1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter. | |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: Restrictive Lung Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 6845, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Do dated records describe the frequency and duration specified by this particular provision, using its definitions?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Regulatory Cross-References
- DC 5321: Group XXI. Function: Respiration. Muscles of respiration: Thoracic muscle group
- DC 6840: Diaphragm paralysis or paresis
- DC 6841: Spinal cord injury with respiratory insufficiency
- DC 6842: Kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum
- DC 6843: Traumatic chest wall defect, pneumothorax, hernia, etc
- DC 6844: Post-surgical residual (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, etc.)
Restrictive Lung Formula
Referenced by DC 6840, DC 6841, DC 6842, DC 6843, DC 6844, DC 6845. Apply only as each code directs, including its conditions and exceptions.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| General Rating Formula for Restrictive Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6840 through 6845): | |
| FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | 100 |
| FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit) | 60 |
| 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 | 30 |
| 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 | 10 |
| Or rate primary disorder. | |
| Note (1): A 100-percent rating shall be assigned for pleurisy with empyema, with or without pleurocutaneous fistula, until resolved. | |
| Note (2): Following episodes of total spontaneous pneumothorax, a rating of 100 percent shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission and shall continue for three months from the first day of the month after hospital discharge. | |
| Note (3): Gunshot wounds of the pleural cavity with bullet or missile retained in lung, pain or discomfort on exertion, or with scattered rales or some limitation of excursion of diaphragm or of lower chest expansion shall be rated at least 20-percent disabling. Disabling injuries of shoulder girdle muscles (Groups I to IV) shall be separately rated and combined with ratings for respiratory involvement. Involvement of Muscle Group XXI (DC 5321), however, will not be separately rated. | |
| 1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter. | |
Shared Rules And Regulatory Context
Context provisions do not create an additional evaluation automatically assigned to every condition.
Related Guides
Official Sources
Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.
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