Qualifying for a VA Disability Rating for Pulmonary Fibrosis

If you’re a veteran with pulmonary fibrosis, you may be entitled to a VA disability rating for pulmonary fibrosis through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).

Pulmonary fibrosis can be debilitating and significantly impact your quality of life and employment opportunities. Understanding how VA disability ratings work and what requirements need to be met can help you get the VA rating and compensation you deserve.

This blog post will dive into the specifics of VA disability ratings and how they relate to pulmonary fibrosis. With this information, you should feel more confident when filing your VA claims and appealing decisions related to your specific pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis.

What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a type of respiratory disease that affects lung tissue. 

It leads to a considerable obstruction in the respiratory system and causes difficulty breathing. In a more technical definition, pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by scarring in the tissue of the lungs, which leads to thickening and loss of elasticity, reducing their capacity for gas exchange. 

During these processes, air sacs are replaced by connective tissue; this process results in an inability for oxygen to pass through the respiratory system to reach essential parts of the body, like organs and muscles. 

Over time, this scarring can cause respiratory failure if not treated adequately. Those with pulmonary fibrosis are often afflicted with shortness of breath, dry cough, or wheezing due to respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis. 

Treatment options may vary depending on the severity and include lifestyle changes (i.e., diet, exercise) and medications like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and support better respiratory function.

The Relationship Between Pulmonary Fibrosis and Veterans

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious and often debilitating lung condition that has been found to affect veterans at a higher rate than the general population.

Usually attributable to environmental factors such as occupational hazards or toxins, the extent of potential damage caused by such substances is further heightened when exposed to them for long periods, especially in the military setting.

Regardless of why soldiers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to this lung disease, there is a responsibility placed on the government and medical experts alike to provide necessary aid and research towards creating treatments and possible preventative measures.

Impact on VA Disability Benefits Claim

The VA awards disability compensation for veterans with Pulmonary fibrosis who are eligible. To be eligible, veterans must first meet certain criteria and prove that their illness is service-connected.

To do so, veterans must file a claim to the VA with proper medical evidence to prove it. Unfortunately, obtaining this evidence takes time, money, and resources—all of which can be difficult for veterans to secure, given that their disease often inhibits their ability to work.

Despite these challenges, veterans should never give up on filing for VA disability benefits for pulmonary fibrosis because it could mean great financial relief for them in the long run.

What Is a Lung Function Test?

Lung function tests also known as pulmonary function tests, or PFTs, are a group of tests that check to see if your lungs are working right. They evaluate how much air your lungs can take in, how quickly they can exhale air, and how effectively they can move oxygen into your bloodstream.

These tests measure: forced expiratory volume (FEV), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). The results of these tests are then compared to normal values established by the American Thoracic Society to measure any impairments or restrictions.

The VA Disability Pulmonary Function Test: What You Need to Know

One way the VA evaluates pulmonary conditions such as Pulmonary Fibrosis is through a lung function test known as the VA Disability Pulmonary Function Test (PFT).

Ratings for respiratory conditions are based on how well the lungs take in air, absorb oxygen into the blood, and then exhale the left-over gases. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are performed to record the proper functioning of the lungs and their effects on the entire body.

Every PFT is not required when the VO2 Max has been tested and is 20 ml/kg/min or less, there have been one or more episodes of respiratory failure, or when regular oxygen therapy is needed outside of a medical facility.

When deciding which test result to use to rate the condition, the one that the examining physician feels most closely reflects the nature of the condition must be used. If they all accurately reflect the condition, then the one that gives the highest rating can be used. If any of the test results are not consistent with the other tests or overall condition, then the examining physician must explain why that test result should not be used to rate the condition.

By preparing adequately beforehand and ensuring all criteria are met when undergoing testing, you will greatly increase your chances of obtaining accurate results that reflect your condition. It will help you receive much-needed assistance from the VA.

The VA Disability PFT must be conducted by a qualified medical professional and include certain criteria for the results to be accepted by the VA.

For example, all tests must include measurements of FEV1, FVC, and PEF in both liters per second and liters per minute. Results should also include patient height, weight, age, sex, breathing rate, smoking history, etc., as well as a description of any medications taken before the test that could have affected the results.

How Can You Prepare?

You must prepare for this test properly for your results to accurately reflect your true pulmonary status.

• Ensure you get plenty of rest before taking this test, as fatigue can affect its accuracy.
• Avoid eating anything two hours before taking the PFT; avoid drinking caffeinated beverages four hours before; avoid smoking eight hours before, and avoid using any bronchodilator medications 12 hours before taking the test.

VA Benefits for Pulmonary Fibrosis

How to Qualify for VA Disability Benefits

To receive VA disability benefits, veterans must have been discharged from military service under honorable conditions and file a claim to the VA. They must have a “service-connected” disability or illness to qualify for compensation. A service-connected disability is an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service or by another service-connected disability. 

Qualifying for a VA Disability Rating for Pulmonary Fibrosis

To be eligible to receive compensation from the VA because of pulmonary fibrosis, you must first be diagnosed with the condition by a doctor and provide evidence that it is connected to your military service. To do this, you will need to provide evidence that:

• You were exposed to hazardous materials while in service;
• You developed pulmonary fibrosis within one year of leaving active duty; or
• Your symptoms worsened after you left active duty
• Your condition was caused or aggravated by another service-connected condition

A medical nexus letter is needed to show the link between your diagnosis and your in-service event or service-connected condition. You will also need to provide medical records showing that your symptoms meet the criteria set forth by the VA’s rating schedule to qualify for a higher rating. The higher the rating the VBA assigns, the more compensation you will receive each month.

It’s important to note that each case is considered on its own merits based on individual circumstances, so it is always best practice to consult with a professional specializing in veterans’ benefits when applying for compensation through the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).

This way you can ensure that all necessary documentation is gathered and submitted accurately so as not to delay your application process or jeopardize your eligibility status.

How the VA Determines Disability Rating for Pulmonary Fibrosis

The VA considers medical evidence from civilian and military medical providers and any other relevant evidence to assign a rating. It can include patient history, inferences made from x-ray or CT scans, lab results, and difficulty performing activities of daily living.

Additionally, applicants may submit a thorough Statement in Support of Claim form, which outlines how their pulmonary fibrosis negatively impacts their life and ability to handle day-to-day responsibilities. It is known as symptomatology and should be detailed in the Statement in Support of Claim Form so the VA can better assess the applicant’s level of disability. See our Statement in Support of Claim example here.

VA Rating for Pulmonary Fibrosis

A veteran with restrictive lung disease with pulmonary fibrosis will be rated under the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833):

• A 10% rating is given if the FVC of 75 to 80 percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66 to 80 percent predicted 
• A 30% rating requires an FVC of 65 to 74 percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56 to 65 percent predicted
• A 60% rating requires an FVC of 50 to 64 percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or; a maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation 
• A 100% rating is given for a Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50 percent predicted, 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 cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy

Those wishing to appeal their rating can apply for a Higher Level Review or Supplemental Appeal. You may also appeal your rating if you feel their condition merits recognition at a higher level than that of the initial ruling by the VA. This potential for appeal allows veterans to ensure their case is justly interpreted and rated. See the “3 Options to Consider if Your VA Claim is Denied” for a more in-depth look at your options.

Service Connection for Pulmonary Fibrosis

In the case of pulmonary fibrosis, the individual has to demonstrate that their sickness was caused or made worse by their military service or other service-connected disability. The VA requires the following three elements:

• A current diagnosis
• An in-service event, injury, or illness
• A medical nexus (i.e. link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, or illness

With the recent passage of the PACT Act, Pulmonary Fibrosis is now one of the presumptive conditions of Burn Pit and Other Particulate Exposure. This means that if you are qualified and you have a diagnosis for this condition, the VA will automatically presume service connection. You are qualified if:

You are a veteran who served on or after September 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen, or the airspace above these locations, or you served on or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the UAE, or the airspace above these locations.

Upon successful approval, individuals are eligible for compensation according to their assigned disability rating and other relevant factors, such as dependency status. 

Certain medical evidence is required for service connection, including diagnosis, a medical nexus letter, and in-service medical records. 

It’s important for those who qualify to familiarize themselves with each type of evidence requested; doing so will make it more likely they are approved and ultimately awarded what they have rightfully earned from their time spent in service.

Getting Help With Your VA Claim

At VA Claims Insider, we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know, including how to file your VA claims. We hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, if you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us for support.

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process, so you can get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law. 

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating FAST! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!