Diffuse interstitial fibrosis (interstitial pneumonitis, fibrosing alveolitis) DC 6825
VA rates it under diagnostic code 6825 in 38 CFR 4.97. Body system: Breathing & sleep.
Also searched as: pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, ILD.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 4 rating levels for this code: 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Rated under the general rating formula for interstitial lung disease (§ 4.97).
Source: 38 CFR 4.97 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
This code is rated under the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (38 CFR 4.97).
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 100% | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy |
| 60% | FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation |
| 30% | FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted |
| 10% | FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.97, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Burn pits and airborne hazards (PACT Act)
Covered: Interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
Who qualifies: Active duty on or after August 2, 1990 in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, or the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia; or on or after September 11, 2001 in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, or Yemen. The airspace above these places counts. Conditions can start any time after service.
38 CFR 3.320 and 38 U.S.C. 1119-1120. Sources: 38 CFR 3.320; VA.gov: Exposure to burn pits and other specific environmental hazards; VA.gov: Presumptive cancers related to burn pit exposure; VA.gov: The PACT Act and your VA benefits
Related medications
Medications that can cause or worsen it
If you take one of these for a service-connected condition, this condition may be claimable as secondary to that condition. You need a diagnosis, your prescription records, and a medical opinion.
Amiodarone (Pacerone, Nexterone) Established link
Amiodarone has a boxed warning for lung damage, including scarring.
Sources: FDA label: Amiodarone (DailyMed)
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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