§ 4.97 Schedule of ratings—respiratory system.

Pneumoconiosis (silicosis, coal dust lung)

Lung scarring caused by inhaling mineral dust such as silica or coal dust over time.

What the rating means

Pneumoconiosis — which includes silicosis, coal dust lung (anthracosis), and similar dust-related lung diseases — is rated under the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease, covering diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833.

The formula has four possible ratings. A 100% rating applies when your Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is less than 50% of the predicted value, your Diffusion Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) is less than 40% predicted, your maximum exercise capacity is below 15 ml/kg/min with cardiorespiratory limitation, or you have cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, or need outpatient oxygen therapy. A 60% rating applies when FVC is 50–64% predicted, DLCO is 40–55% predicted, or maximum exercise capacity is 15–20 ml/kg/min with cardiorespiratory limitation. A 30% rating applies when FVC is 65–74% predicted or DLCO is 56–65% predicted. A 10% rating applies when FVC is 75–80% predicted or DLCO is 66–80% predicted. VA assigns the rating based on whichever single finding produces the highest result.

Evidence that helps

Because the rating formula turns almost entirely on lung function test results, pulmonary function testing is the most directly relevant evidence. Records showing your FVC as a percentage of the predicted value, or your single-breath DLCO as a percentage of predicted, map directly to each rating level. If exercise testing has been performed, results reporting oxygen consumption in ml/kg/min and noting whether the limitation was cardiorespiratory in nature support the higher rating levels.

Medical records documenting a diagnosis of cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension — typically through echocardiogram or right-heart catheterization results — or a prescription for outpatient oxygen therapy support the 100% level.

Records from pulmonologists, occupational medicine providers, or VA examinations that show a pattern of declining test values over time can help show the severity of your condition. Statements from you or people who know you describing how breathlessness, fatigue, or exercise intolerance affect your work and daily activities can help VA understand the functional impact behind the numbers.

Secondary conditions

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.

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What the rating means

Evidence that helps

Secondary conditions

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