VA Disability Rating for Post-Surgical Residuals of Lung Surgery (DC 6844)
Diagnostic Code 6844 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
This code covers the lasting effects of lung surgery, including lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe), pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung), wedge resection, and other thoracic surgical procedures. Even when surgery is successful in treating the original condition, removing lung tissue permanently reduces breathing capacity. Veterans may need lung surgery for combat injuries, cancer related to toxic exposure, infections, or other service-connected conditions. The residual impairment is rated based on post-surgical pulmonary function.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or DLCO less than 40 percent, or need for oxygen therapy, or post-pneumonectomy with severe impairment. |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or DLCO of 40 to 55 percent. |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted, or DLCO of 56 to 65 percent. |
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted, or DLCO of 66 to 80 percent. |
| 0% | Minor procedure with no measurable residual impairment. |
Evidence Needed
- Operative report detailing the surgery and what was removed
- Post-surgical PFT results showing residual impairment
- Pathology report if surgery was for a mass or cancer
- Evidence connecting the original condition to military service
- Post-surgical chest imaging showing the changes
- Records of any complications from surgery
C&P Exam Tips
- PFTs after surgery are the primary rating basis — allow adequate healing time before testing
- Bring the operative report showing exactly what was removed
- Describe post-surgical limitations: reduced exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, pain
- If surgery was for a service-connected cancer, the cancer itself may have a separate rating during treatment
- Report any surgical complications such as persistent air leak, infection, or nerve damage
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with surgical records, post-operative PFT results, and evidence connecting the original condition to service. Claim surgical scars and nerve damage separately.
Common Mistakes
Getting PFTs too soon after surgery Wait until you have recovered from surgery before PFT testing. Testing too early may show worse results than your stabilized post-surgical baseline. Not claiming surgical scars Thoracotomy scars are often long and painful. File for scar compensation separately. Not claiming nerve damage from surgery Intercostal neuralgia from surgical nerve damage is a separate ratable condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pneumonectomy automatically a high rating?
Removal of an entire lung significantly reduces breathing capacity and typically results in a 60 or 100 percent rating based on PFT results. The exact rating depends on how much function remains.
When should I get PFTs after lung surgery?
Allow at least three to six months of recovery before PFT testing to get an accurate picture of your stabilized post-surgical function.
Can I claim both the cancer and the surgical residuals?
During active cancer treatment, you receive 100 percent for the cancer. After remission, the residual impairment from surgery is rated under DC 6844.