Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6831)
Diagnostic Code 6831 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammatory lung disease caused by inhaling organic dusts, molds, chemicals, or other environmental antigens. Veterans may develop HP from exposure to moldy barracks, agricultural dusts, bird droppings in aircraft hangars, chemical agents, or industrial materials during service. Chronic HP can lead to permanent lung fibrosis.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | End-stage fibrotic HP causing respiratory failure or requiring continuous oxygen therapy. |
| 60% | Advanced chronic HP with significant fibrosis and substantially reduced PFT values. Marked exercise limitation. |
| 30% | Chronic HP with moderate PFT impairment. Persistent symptoms despite antigen avoidance. Some fibrotic changes on imaging. |
| 10% | Mild HP with minimal PFT impairment after antigen removal. Occasional symptoms with known exposures. |
Evidence Needed
Documentation of antigen exposure during service (environmental reports, duty descriptions). High-resolution CT showing ground-glass opacities or fibrosis. PFTs including DLCO. Bronchoalveolar lavage or biopsy results if available. Pulmonologist diagnosis.
C&P Exam Tips
Clearly identify the antigen source from your service. Bring any environmental testing or exposure documentation. Ensure DLCO is tested as it is often the most impaired measure in HP. Describe ongoing symptoms even after leaving the exposure environment.
How to File
File for hypersensitivity pneumonitis citing the specific exposure during service. Include environmental documentation, occupational exposure records, and current PFT results. A nexus letter from a pulmonologist explaining how your service exposure caused HP strengthens the claim.
Common Mistakes
Not identifying the specific antigen or exposure source. Failing to distinguish acute HP (which may resolve) from chronic fibrotic HP (which is permanent). Not getting serial PFTs and imaging to document progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What military exposures cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Common military sources include moldy living quarters, bird antigens in aircraft hangars or pigeon-contaminated buildings, agricultural dusts in rural deployments, chemical agents, and industrial materials in maintenance shops. Document your specific exposure in your claim.
My HP was diagnosed after I left service—can I still claim it?
Yes. Chronic HP can take months or years of repeated exposure to develop symptoms, and fibrotic changes may not be detected until well after the exposure ended. A nexus opinion explaining the delayed presentation can support your claim.