Pneumoconiosis — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6832)
Diagnostic Code 6832 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Pneumoconiosis is a group of lung diseases caused by inhaling mineral dusts that scar the lungs. This includes silicosis (from silica/sand dust), coal workers pneumoconiosis (black lung), and other mineral dust diseases. Veterans may develop pneumoconiosis from sandstorm exposure in desert deployments, construction/demolition work, mining operations, sandblasting, or working with concrete and masonry 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. The formula has no 0 percent row. |
| 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. |
Evidence Needed
Occupational exposure history documenting dust exposure during service (MOS, duty stations, specific tasks). Chest imaging showing characteristic findings (nodules, fibrosis). Current PFTs. Pulmonologist diagnosis specifying type of pneumoconiosis. B-reader interpretation of chest X-ray if available.
C&P Exam Tips
Detail your specific dust exposures—type of dust, duration, and whether respiratory protection was provided. Request a B-reader interpretation of your chest X-ray (radiologist specifically trained in pneumoconiosis reading). Ensure PFTs include DLCO.
How to File
File for pneumoconiosis or the specific subtype (silicosis, etc.) with documentation of dust exposure during service. Include your MOS, duty assignments involving dust exposure, and current pulmonary testing. For desert deployment veterans, document sandstorm exposure and duration.
Common Mistakes
Not documenting specific dust exposure types and durations. Failing to request B-reader chest X-ray interpretation. Not connecting desert deployment sandstorm exposure to silicosis. Missing the progressive nature of the disease by not getting serial testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can desert deployment sandstorm exposure cause pneumoconiosis?
Yes. Veterans deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other desert environments inhaled significant quantities of fine silica dust during sandstorms. This exposure can cause silicosis, which may not become apparent for years after the exposure ended. Document your deployment locations and duration.
How is pneumoconiosis different from DC 6833 asbestosis?
Asbestosis (DC 6833) is technically a type of pneumoconiosis but has its own diagnostic code due to its prevalence and distinct characteristics. DC 6832 covers other mineral dust diseases including silicosis, coal dust disease, and other occupational lung diseases. You will be rated under whichever specific code applies to your exposure.