VA Disability Rating for Benign Respiratory Neoplasms (DC 6820)
Diagnostic Code 6820 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Benign respiratory neoplasms are non-cancerous tumors or growths in the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, or pleura. While not cancerous, these growths can still cause breathing problems by obstructing airways, compressing lung tissue, or requiring surgical removal. Examples include hamartomas, papillomas, and benign pleural tumors. Veterans may develop these from environmental exposures during service, though many occur without a clear external cause.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | During active treatment or when the growth is causing significant respiratory compromise equivalent to the most severe PFT impairment levels. |
| 60% | Residual respiratory impairment after treatment with FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted or equivalent criteria. |
| 30% | Moderate residual respiratory impairment after treatment. |
| 10% | Mild residual respiratory impairment after treatment. |
| 0% | Successfully treated with no residual respiratory impairment. |
Evidence Needed
- Pathology report confirming the benign nature of the growth
- Imaging showing the location and size of the neoplasm
- Surgical records if the growth was removed
- PFT results showing any residual respiratory impairment
- Service records or nexus letter linking the condition to military service
C&P Exam Tips
- Bring the pathology report confirming the diagnosis is benign
- Get PFT results after any surgical treatment to establish residual impairment
- Describe any ongoing symptoms — breathing difficulty, coughing, pain
- If the growth required surgery, bring operative reports and describe any complications
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with pathology reports, imaging, surgical records, and PFT results showing any residual impairment.
Common Mistakes
Assuming benign means no rating Even benign growths can be rated if they cause symptoms or require treatment that leaves residual impairment. Not getting post-treatment PFTs After surgery to remove a lung growth, PFT results determine your residual rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a benign lung tumor be service-connected?
Yes, if it can be linked to military service through environmental exposure, toxic substances, or other service-related factors.
What if the benign growth later becomes cancerous?
If the tumor becomes malignant, you would be reclassified under DC 6819 (malignant neoplasm) and receive the automatic 100 percent rating during active disease.