Pleurisy, Tuberculous, Active or Inactive — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6732)
Diagnostic Code 6732 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Tuberculous pleurisy is DC 6732, not DC 6730. This is a correction, not a change in the law. The three modern tuberculosis codes in 38 CFR § 4.97 are DC 6730, "Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active"; DC 6731, "Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive"; and DC 6732, "Pleurisy, tuberculous, active or inactive." This page had been published under the neighbouring code. The subject of the page has not moved; the code printed on it now matches the schedule. The code carries a blank rating cell: § 4.97 routes it to § 4.88c or § 4.89, whichever is appropriate, rather than assigning a percentage itself. These three codes apply to anyone evaluated after August 19, 1968. A veteran who on that date was receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis is evaluated instead under the protected 1968 block, DCs 6701 through 6724, and 38 CFR § 4.96(b) directs that the use of that authority "should be mentioned in the discussion portion of all ratings" applying it. Tuberculous pleurisy is inflammation of the pleural membranes caused by tuberculosis infection. It can be present in the active or the inactive phase, and its lasting cost is usually pleural thickening that restricts how far the lung can expand — which is evaluated on its own terms rather than through this code.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways | DC 6732, "Pleurisy, tuberculous, active or inactive," assigns no percentage of its own. 38 CFR § 4.97 directs: rate under § 4.88c or § 4.89, whichever is appropriate. § 4.88c carries the ratings for inactive nonpulmonary tuberculosis initially entitled after August 19, 1968; § 4.89 carries the ratings for inactive nonpulmonary tuberculosis in effect on that date. Where the residual is pleural thickening or effusion restricting lung function, that residual is evaluated under the restrictive lung disease codes — DC 6844, post-surgical residuals, and DC 6845, chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis, share the General Rating Formula for Restrictive Lung Disease at 100, 60, 30 and 10 percent. |
Evidence Needed
Sputum cultures or other microbiological evidence of TB (active cases). Chest imaging showing TB-related changes (cavities, fibrosis, calcifications). PFTs documenting residual impairment. Treatment records showing completed anti-TB regimen. Documentation of service in TB-endemic areas or close-contact exposure.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring all TB treatment records including completion documentation. Ensure current PFTs and chest imaging are available. For inactive cases, the focus is on residual damage—describe ongoing breathing limitations. For active cases, ensure current sputum status is documented.
How to File
File VA Form 21-526EZ naming tuberculous pleurisy and, separately, the residual that actually limits you — pleural thickening, restrictive lung impairment, pleural effusion. Because DC 6732 assigns no percentage, the residual claim is where the compensation is. Attach the original diagnosis, chest imaging showing pleural thickening or calcification, and current pulmonary function testing. § 4.96(a) bars combining respiratory evaluations with each other, so VA will assign one rating under the predominant code and elevate it where the overall severity warrants.
Common Mistakes
Not understanding the mandatory total rating period and graduated step-down schedule for TB. Failing to document residual impairment after the disease becomes inactive. Not connecting TB exposure to specific service environments. Missing the distinction between active and inactive classifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this page show no percentage?
Because DC 6732 has none. In 38 CFR § 4.97 the rating cell for tuberculous pleurisy is blank and the instruction is to rate under § 4.88c or § 4.89, whichever is appropriate. Codes that route rather than rate are common in the schedule, and the percentage comes from wherever the routing lands.
Where does pleural thickening get rated?
Under the restrictive lung disease codes. DC 6845, chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis, sits on the General Rating Formula for Restrictive Lung Disease, which runs 100, 60, 30 and 10 percent on FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO, maximum exercise capacity, cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension and oxygen requirement. There is no 0 percent row in that formula.
I was already receiving TB compensation before 1968.
Then the protected block applies, not these codes. 38 CFR § 4.96(b) preserves the pre-1968 authority for any veteran who on August 19, 1968 was receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis, and it directs that the use of that authority be mentioned in the discussion portion of the rating.