Tuberculosis, Pulmonary, Chronic, Active — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6730)
Diagnostic Code 6730 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Active chronic pulmonary tuberculosis is DC 6730, not DC 6731. 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. DC 6730 is a flat 100 percent with no second row: the schedule does not step the evaluation down inside this code. What happens instead is that when the disease is found inactive, the case moves to DC 6731, and DC 6731’s own Note requires a mandatory examination immediately on notification that tuberculosis evaluated under DC 6730 has become inactive, with any change carried out under 38 CFR § 3.105(e) — meaning proposed reduction, notice, and an opportunity to respond before anything changes. 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. Active tuberculosis is uncommon in modern service but not absent, and reactivation of a latent infection acquired years earlier is the more usual path.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active. The code is a flat 100 percent — there is no second row and no step-down inside DC 6730. A Note adds that active pulmonary tuberculosis is considered permanently and totally disabling for non-service-connected pension purposes when it is associated with active tuberculosis outside the respiratory system; when there are severe associated symptoms or extensive cavity formation; in reactivated cases generally; where lesions advance on successive examinations or under treatment; or where there is no retrogression of lesions or other evidence of material improvement at the end of six months of hospitalisation, or no change of diagnosis from "active" at the end of twelve months of hospitalisation. |
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 active pulmonary tuberculosis, with the sputum culture or molecular test, chest imaging, and the treatment record. Where exposure was in service — a high-prevalence duty station, close-quarters berthing, a documented contact investigation, or a positive conversion on a service TB screening — attach the records that show it. If your disease has since been found inactive, expect the mandatory examination described at DC 6731 and the § 3.105(e) process before any change, and gather your residual evidence in advance.
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
Does the 100 percent step down automatically?
No. DC 6730 has one row and no internal step-down. When VA is notified that the disease has become inactive, DC 6731’s Note requires a mandatory examination, and any change is carried out under 38 CFR § 3.105(e) — a proposed reduction, written notice, and an opportunity to submit evidence and request a hearing before it takes effect.
What is the difference between this code and DC 6701 through 6704?
Timing and entitlement. DCs 6701 through 6704 sit under the heading "Ratings for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Entitled on August 19, 1968" and apply only to a veteran who on that date was receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis. Everyone evaluated after that date is under DC 6730, 6731 or 6732.
Is the 100 percent affected by whether I was hospitalised?
Not for the schedular evaluation. The hospitalisation language in the Note goes to whether active pulmonary tuberculosis is considered permanently and totally disabling for non-service-connected pension purposes — a different question from the 100 percent compensation rating, which the code assigns outright.