Conditions/Respiratory

Emphysema

Diagnostic Code 6503Respiratory

Destruction of alveoli causing air trapping and dyspnea

VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR)
100%

With FEV1 less than 40% predicted, or cor pulmonale, or right heart failure

60%

With FEV1 of 40-55% predicted, or requiring oxygen

30%

With FEV1 of 56-70% predicted

10%

With FEV1 of 71-80% predicted

Evidence You'll Need

Medical Evidence

Current diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider, medical records documenting symptoms and treatment history

Service Connection

Evidence linking your condition to military service (service treatment records, incident reports, or nexus letter)

Personal Statement

Your detailed account of how emphysema affects your daily life and when symptoms began

Lay Evidence

Buddy letters from fellow service members or family who can corroborate your symptoms

C&P Exam Tips Preview

During your Compensation & Pension exam for emphysema, examiners will assess your symptoms against the rating criteria above.

Be specific: Describe your worst day, not your average day

Document everything: Bring copies of all medical records and evidence

Functional impact: Explain how symptoms affect work, sleep, and daily activities

Ready to Build Your Claim for Emphysema?

Use ClaimDuty AI to generate a personalized statement, gather evidence, and prepare for your C&P exam.

Scout

VA Claims Assistant

Hey! I'm Scout, your VA claims assistant. I can help with questions about conditions, ratings, secondary connections, C&P exams, and more. What can I help you with?

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