VA Disability Rating for Traumatic Chest Wall Defect (DC 6843)
Diagnostic Code 6843 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Traumatic chest wall defects include structural damage to the rib cage, sternum, or chest wall muscles from combat injuries, accidents, or blast exposure. These defects can include rib fracture deformities, flail chest, sternum fractures, and loss of chest wall tissue. Such injuries impair the chest wall mechanics needed for normal breathing and can cause chronic pain, respiratory restriction, and visible deformity. Veterans commonly sustain these injuries from explosions, vehicular accidents, falls, and penetrating wounds during service.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or need for supplemental oxygen, or severe chest wall instability affecting breathing. |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent. |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent. |
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent. |
| 0% | Healed chest wall injury with no measurable respiratory impairment. |
Evidence Needed
- Chest X-rays or CT showing rib deformities, metal fixation hardware, or structural defects
- PFT results documenting respiratory restriction
- Service records of the causative injury
- Surgical records for any chest wall reconstruction
- Pain management records
- Photos of any visible chest wall deformity
C&P Exam Tips
- Get PFT results to quantify the breathing restriction
- Show the examiner any visible chest wall deformity or scarring
- Describe how the chest wall injury affects your breathing, especially with exertion
- Report chronic pain and any difficulty with positioning (sleeping, exercise)
- Bring the service records and imaging from the original injury
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with injury records, imaging, PFT results, and documentation of any chest wall deformity. Claim scars and muscle injuries separately.
Common Mistakes
Only claiming the respiratory aspect Chest wall defects often involve scarring, muscle damage, nerve damage, and chronic pain — each can be rated separately. Not getting PFTs to show restriction Even if the deformity is visible, you need PFT numbers to get a specific respiratory rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim scars and breathing problems separately?
Yes. The respiratory restriction from the chest wall defect is rated under DC 6843, while surgical or traumatic scars are rated separately under scar codes.
What about chronic pain from the injury?
Chronic pain from nerve damage or bone deformity may be rated under muscle injury or neuralgia codes in addition to the respiratory rating.