VA Disability Rating for Asbestosis (DC 6833)
Diagnostic Code 6833 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which scar the lung tissue over time. The scarring makes the lungs stiff and impairs breathing. Symptoms develop gradually, often decades after exposure, and include progressive shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest tightness, and finger clubbing. Navy veterans are at especially high risk due to asbestos used extensively in ships for insulation, pipe covering, and fireproofing. Other at-risk veterans include those who worked in construction, vehicle maintenance, or industrial settings during service.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | FVC less than 50-percent predicted, or; 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. |
| 60% | FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation. |
| 30% | FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted. |
| 10% | FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted. The General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease, which governs DC 6825 through 6833, has no FEV-1 clause and no 0 percent row. |
Evidence Needed
- High-resolution CT scan showing pleural plaques, interstitial fibrosis, or other asbestosis findings
- Pulmonary function tests with DLCO measurement
- Documentation of asbestos exposure during military service — ship records, job assignments, facility history
- Pulmonology evaluation confirming the asbestosis diagnosis
- Service records showing MOS or duty stations with known asbestos exposure
- Buddy statements from fellow service members about asbestos conditions
C&P Exam Tips
- DLCO is critically important for asbestosis — it often shows more impairment than spirometry
- Bring your HRCT scan showing asbestos-related changes
- Document your exact military duties and where you worked with or around asbestos
- Navy veterans should note their ship name and ratings — many ship jobs involved asbestos exposure
- Asbestosis develops decades after exposure, so the time gap does not weaken your claim
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with HRCT scan, PFT results, and documentation of military asbestos exposure. Include service records showing your MOS, ship assignments, or facility locations.
Common Mistakes
Thinking the decades-long gap means no connection Asbestosis characteristically develops 20 to 40 years after exposure. The VA recognizes this latency period. Not documenting specific exposure Detail exactly where and how you were exposed: engine rooms, insulation work, brake repair, pipe fitting. Ship names and duty stations are important. Not getting DLCO testing DLCO is the most sensitive PFT measure for asbestosis-related gas exchange impairment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which military jobs had the most asbestos exposure?
Navy shipboard personnel (especially boiler technicians, machinists mates, hull technicians, and electricians) had the highest exposure. Construction workers, vehicle mechanics, and aviation maintenance personnel were also commonly exposed.
Can asbestosis develop 30 years after exposure?
Yes. Asbestosis typically has a latency period of 20 to 40 years. The VA recognizes this long gap between exposure and disease onset.
Does asbestosis increase my cancer risk?
Yes. Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you develop cancer, file a separate claim for that condition.