Pleuritis (lung lining inflammation)

Pleuritis is rated under diagnostic code 6845, listed in the rating schedule as chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis. VA rates this condition under the General Rating Formula for Restrictive Lung Disease, which covers diagnostic codes 6840 through 6845. Ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100% are possible based on breathing test results or other signs of severe disease. At 10%, FEV-1 is 71 to 80 percent of the predicted value, FEV-1/FVC ratio is 71 to 80 percent, or DLCO (SB) is 66 to 80 percent predicted. At 30%, FEV-1 is 56 to 70 percent predicted, FEV-1/FVC is 56 to 70 percent, or DLCO (SB) is 56 to 65 percent predicted. At 60%, FEV-1 is 40 to 55 percent predicted, FEV-1/FVC is 40 to 55 percent, or maximum oxygen consumption is 15 to 20 ml/kg/min. At 100%, FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC falls below 40 percent, or you have cor pulmonale, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, episodes of acute respiratory failure, or require outpatient oxygen therapy. VA may also rate the primary disorder instead. A 100% rating is separately assigned for pleurisy with empyema until it resolves.