An ongoing bacterial infection of the lungs caused by tuberculosis that may cause cough, fever, and weight loss.
Because there is only one rating level — 100% — the evidence that matters most is what confirms your tuberculosis is both pulmonary and currently active. Bacteriological records such as sputum cultures or smear results that show the presence of active infection are central. Imaging studies, particularly chest X-rays taken over time, can show whether lesions are progressing, stable, or retreating, which the regulation treats as a key marker of activity and improvement.
Records from hospitalizations are relevant, especially if treatment has extended six months or longer, because the regulation specifically looks at whether lesions have improved and whether the diagnosis of "active" has changed after twelve months. If your tuberculosis has spread beyond the lungs, records documenting involvement of other organ systems strengthen the case for the permanent and total pension finding. Physician notes describing severity of symptoms — such as weight loss, fever, or respiratory decline — and any documentation of cavity formation on imaging also directly correspond to the circumstances the regulation names.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
