Tuberculosis, Pulmonary, Chronic, Inactive — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6731)
Diagnostic Code 6731 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Inactive chronic pulmonary tuberculosis is DC 6731, not DC 6732. 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 6731 carries a blank rating cell: rather than assigning a percentage it directs that residuals be rated on their specific findings — as interstitial lung disease, as restrictive lung disease, or as chronic bronchitis under DC 6600 where obstructive disease is the major residual — with thoracoplasty rated as removal of ribs under DC 5297. The move from the 100 percent of DC 6730 to this code is not automatic and not silent: a mandatory examination is required immediately on notification that the disease has become inactive, and any change in evaluation runs through 38 CFR § 3.105(e), which means a proposed reduction, written notice, and an opportunity to respond before it takes effect. 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. Note the difference from the protected block: the 1968 codes count years since the date of inactivity on a graduated schedule, while DC 6731 rates what the lungs actually do now.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways | DC 6731, "Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive," assigns no percentage of its own. 38 CFR § 4.97 directs: depending on the specific findings, rate residuals as interstitial lung disease, as restrictive lung disease, or — when obstructive lung disease is the major residual — as chronic bronchitis under DC 6600. Thoracoplasty is rated as removal of ribs under DC 5297. A Note requires a mandatory examination immediately following notification that active tuberculosis evaluated under DC 6730 has become inactive, and any change in evaluation is carried out under 38 CFR § 3.105(e). |
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 inactive pulmonary tuberculosis and, separately and by name, the residual that limits you — pulmonary fibrosis, restrictive impairment, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, the effects of thoracoplasty. Because DC 6731 assigns no percentage, the residual is the claim. Attach current pulmonary function testing with FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC and DLCO, chest imaging, and any exercise testing. § 4.96(a) bars combining respiratory evaluations with each other, so VA assigns one rating under the predominant code and elevates 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 6731 has none. Its rating cell in 38 CFR § 4.97 is blank and the instruction is to rate residuals as interstitial lung disease, restrictive lung disease, or chronic bronchitis under DC 6600 where obstructive disease is the major residual. The percentage comes from the residual code.
VA says my TB is inactive. Can they cut my 100 percent immediately?
No. DC 6731’s Note requires a mandatory examination immediately following notification that the disease has become inactive, and any change in evaluation is carried out under 38 CFR § 3.105(e). That means VA must propose the reduction in writing, give you 60 days to submit evidence and 30 days to request a predetermination hearing, and the reduction cannot take effect until that process runs.
I have seen a schedule that steps down 100, then 50, then 30 by years. Is that this code?
No — that is the General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and it belongs to the protected 1968 block at DCs 6721 through 6724. It counts time from the date of inactivity rather than measuring current lung function, and it applies only to a veteran who on August 19, 1968 was receiving or entitled to receive compensation for tuberculosis.