VA Disability Rating for Pulmonary Vascular Disease (DC 6817)
Diagnostic Code 6817 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Pulmonary vascular disease encompasses conditions affecting the blood vessels in the lungs, including pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lung arteries), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), and other vascular disorders. These conditions can cause severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, and heart failure as the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood through damaged lung vessels. Veterans may develop these conditions from blood clots during service, toxic exposures, chronic lung disease, or heart conditions related to military service.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Primary pulmonary hypertension, or; chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale, or; pulmonary hypertension secondary to other obstructive disease of pulmonary arteries or veins with evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy or cor pulmonale. |
| 60% | Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism requiring anticoagulant therapy, or following inferior vena cava surgery without evidence of pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular dysfunction. |
| 30% | Symptomatic, following resolution of acute pulmonary embolism. The schedule attaches no anticoagulation requirement to this row. |
| 0% | Asymptomatic following resolution of pulmonary embolism with no ongoing treatment required. |
Evidence Needed
- Right heart catheterization results (the gold standard for pulmonary hypertension)
- Echocardiogram showing right heart function and estimated pulmonary pressures
- CT pulmonary angiography showing blood clots or vascular disease
- Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan results
- Anticoagulation therapy records
- Service medical records or nexus letter linking the condition to service
C&P Exam Tips
- Bring right heart catheterization results if available — this is the strongest evidence for pulmonary hypertension
- If catheterization has not been performed, an echocardiogram estimating pulmonary pressures is important
- Describe your symptoms in detail: breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, exercise limitations
- Document all anticoagulation medication use
- If you had a pulmonary embolism during service, bring those hospital records
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with catheterization or echocardiogram results, CT angiography, and evidence linking the condition to service.
Common Mistakes
Not getting a right heart catheterization For pulmonary hypertension claims, right heart catheterization is the definitive diagnostic test. An echocardiogram alone may not be sufficient. Not connecting PE to service If you had a pulmonary embolism during or shortly after service (such as after surgery or prolonged immobilization), establish this connection clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is primary pulmonary hypertension always 100 percent?
Yes. Primary pulmonary hypertension automatically qualifies for a 100 percent rating due to the severity and progressive nature of the condition.
What if I had a PE during service that resolved?
Even a resolved pulmonary embolism can be rated if you require ongoing anticoagulation or have residual symptoms. Asymptomatic resolution without treatment results in a 0 percent rating, which still establishes service connection.