Pulmonary tuberculosis, inactive

Because ratings depend on the date of inactivity, the most important records are those that establish when active tuberculosis was clinically identified and when it became inactive. Service treatment records, hospital records, and physician notes that document diagnosis, treatment, and the declaration of inactivity are central to each rating level.

For the time-based ratings of 100%, 50%, and 30%, records that clearly show the date active disease was identified and the date inactivity was confirmed are key. For the permanent 30% minimum, medical records or imaging reports from any point during the active phase that describe the lesions as far advanced support that level. For the 20% rating, records showing moderately advanced lesions during the active phase combined with current clinical findings such as emphysema, shortness of breath on exertion, or other ongoing health impairment are relevant. Your own statements describing how symptoms such as breathing difficulty affect your daily activities and work can help show continued disability. Records of any prescribed treatment and your compliance with examination requirements are also relevant given the reduction rule for noncompliance.