38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.97
Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis — VA Diagnostic Code 6826
Respiratory
Diagnostic code
6826
38 CFR § 4.97 lists Diagnostic Code 6826 as “Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis.” The rating cell is empty. The General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease covers diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833. The lines are 100, 60, 30, and 10. The catalog slug is dc-6826-desquamative-interstitial-pneumonitis.
Reviewed 2026-10-05. Text checked against the eCFR versioner full-text XML for 2026-10-01 on 2026-10-05. Title 38 was last amended on 2026-08-27. On 2026-10-05 the titles list reports up to date as of 2026-10-02, and the 2026-10-02 XML for the sections quoted here matches the 2026-10-01 XML. Section 4.97 source note: [61 FR 46728, Sept. 5, 1996, as amended at 71 FR 28586, May 17, 2006]. Section 4.96 source note: [34 FR 5062, Mar. 11, 1969, as amended at 61 FR 46727, Sept. 5, 1996; 71 FR 52459, Sept. 6, 2006].
The rating criteria at each level
Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis — DC 6826
Rating %: —
Criteria (verbatim). Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis.
| Rating % | Criteria (verbatim) |
|---|---|
| — | Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis. |
General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833)
Rating %: 100
Criteria (verbatim). 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
Rating %: 60
Criteria (verbatim). 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
Rating %: 30
Criteria (verbatim). FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted
Rating %: 10
Criteria (verbatim). FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted
| Rating % | Criteria (verbatim) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The DC 6826 title ends with a period. The rating cell beside the title is empty. The formula caption says “diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833.”
The 100 and 60 lines say “with cardiorespiratory limitation.” They do not say “with cardiac or respiratory limitation.” That second phrase is on the chronic-bronchitis formula at DC 6600, not on this formula.
Hyphens: “50-percent,” “40-percent,” “50- to 64-percent,” “40- to 55-percent,” “65- to 74-percent,” “56- to 65-percent,” “75- to 80-percent,” and “66- to 80-percent.” The exercise numbers are “less than 15 ml/kg/min” and “15 to 20 ml/kg/min,” without a hyphen before ml. The formula does not print a 0 percent line.
38 CFR § 4.31 says that in every instance where the schedule does not provide a zero percent evaluation for a diagnostic code, a zero percent evaluation shall be assigned when the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met.
38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher rating when the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned. 38 CFR § 4.6 requires each element affecting the evidence to be studied so that decisions will be equitable and just.
38 CFR § 4.96(a) says ratings under diagnostic codes 6600 through 6817 and 6822 through 6847 will not be combined with each other. DC 6826 is inside 6822 through 6847. A single rating is assigned under the diagnostic code which reflects the predominant disability, with elevation to the next higher evaluation where the severity of the overall disability warrants such elevation. 38 CFR § 4.14 says the evaluation of the same disability under various diagnoses is to be avoided, and that the evaluation of the same manifestation under different diagnoses is to be avoided.
38 CFR § 4.96(d) applies to diagnostic codes 6600, 6603, 6604, 6825-6833, and 6840-6845, so it applies to DC 6826. Pulmonary function tests are required except in the cases paragraph (d)(1) lists, including when maximum exercise capacity results of record are 20 ml/kg/min or less, when outpatient oxygen therapy is required, and when pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, or right ventricular hypertrophy has been diagnosed. Paragraph (d)(5) says to use post-bronchodilator results unless they were poorer than the pre-bronchodilator results. The formula’s 100 line says “less than 15 ml/kg/min,” which is not the same figure as the 20 ml/kg/min testing exception.
DC 6825 is “Diffuse interstitial fibrosis (interstitial pneumonitis, fibrosing alveolitis).” That parenthetical is on DC 6825. It is not on DC 6826. DC 6827 is pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, the next named code under the same formula. The interstitial-lung-disease presumptive row on this site is linked to DC 6825. This page does not move that link to DC 6826.
The 2026-10-01 text of 38 CFR § 3.309 does not contain “desquamative” or “6826.” 38 CFR § 3.320 does not contain “desquamative” or “interstitial.” This page does not add DC 6826 to a presumptive row.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6826 and the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease, eCFR full-text XML for 2026-10-01. The source note prints [61 FR 46728, Sept. 5, 1996, as amended at 71 FR 28586, May 17, 2006].
What the words mean in your records
The name cell has no percentage
“Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis.” is the title. The percentage lines are on the shared formula for codes 6825 through 6833.
Cardiorespiratory is one word
The 100 and 60 lines say “with cardiorespiratory limitation.” DC 6600’s exercise phrase is “with cardiac or respiratory limitation.” The formulas do not use the same words.
15 and 20 are different sentences
The formula’s 100 line uses less than 15 ml/kg/min. Section 4.96(d)(1)(i) says pulmonary function tests are not required when a maximum exercise capacity test of record is 20 ml/kg/min or less. Those are two different numbers in two different sentences.
Evidence that speaks to each level
The formula lines
What the rater needs to see. FVC percent predicted, DLCO (SB) percent predicted, or the exercise and heart-lung findings the line names. The lines are 100, 60, 30, and 10.
Where that usually lives. The pulmonary-function report, including the post-bronchodilator values § 4.96(d)(5) uses when they apply.
When the tests are not required
What the rater needs to see. Section 4.96(d)(1) lists the exceptions, including outpatient oxygen, pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, right ventricular hypertrophy, and a maximum exercise capacity of 20 ml/kg/min or less of record.
Where that usually lives. The oxygen order, the echocardiogram or catheterization, or the exercise test.
VA’s public DBQ list, checked October 5, 2026, names “Respiratory Conditions (other than tuberculosis and sleep apnea).” The file is Respiratory Conditions (other than tuberculosis and sleep apnea).
The exam form
DC 6826 uses the interstitial-lung-disease formula for codes 6825 through 6833. This page does not say the respiratory form replaces that formula.
Related codes and how they interact
Secondary conditions and presumptions
Section 3.309 does not contain “desquamative” or “6826.” Section 3.320 does not contain “interstitial.” The interstitial-lung-disease presumptive row stays on DC 6825. This page does not add DC 6826 to a presumptive row.
A separate question, when a presumption does not decide it, is a medical question on the facts under 38 CFR § 3.310. Paragraph (a) covers disability proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury. Paragraph (b) covers increase in severity and requires a medical baseline.
Short answers
How does VA rate desquamative interstitial pneumonitis under DC 6826?
Under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6826 has an empty rating cell. It is one of the codes 6825 through 6833 rated on the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease: 100, 60, 30, and 10 percent. Section 4.96(d) applies to that span, including the post-bronchodilator rule. Education only. VA decides on the evidence.
Is DC 6826 the same title as DC 6825?
No. DC 6825 is “Diffuse interstitial fibrosis (interstitial pneumonitis, fibrosing alveolitis).” DC 6826 is “Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis.” They share the formula. The interstitial-lung-disease presumptive link on this site points at DC 6825. Education only.
FAQ
Does DC 6826 print its own percentage?
No. The rating cell is empty. Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis is evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease, diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833. The lines are 100, 60, 30, and 10. Education only.
What does the 100 percent line require?
One of the alternatives joined by “or;”: FVC less than 50-percent predicted, DLCO (SB) less than 40-percent predicted, maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or outpatient oxygen therapy.
Can DC 6826 be combined with DC 6600?
Section 4.96(a) says ratings under diagnostic codes 6600 through 6817 and 6822 through 6847 will not be combined with each other. DC 6826 and DC 6600 are both in that instruction. A single rating uses the code that reflects the predominant disability.
Next steps
- Read the decision for DC 6826 and which alternative on the interstitial-lung-disease formula was used.
- The free worksheet is a place to write the code, the findings, and the records you already have. It does not file a claim or protect a filing date. An accredited representative is at find a VSO.
- Other respiratory codes are on the respiratory diagnostic-code index. The category page is respiratory conditions.
Education only. Not legal or medical advice. My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative and does not file claims. VA decides every claim on its own evidence.
Other codes in this body system
Nearby catalog entries in Respiratory, ordered by diagnostic code number. All Respiratory codes
- DC 6732Pleurisy, active or inactive
- DC 6817Pulmonary Vascular Disease
- DC 6819Neoplasms, malignant
- DC 6820Neoplasms, benign
- DC 6822Actinomycosis
- DC 6823Nocardiosis
- DC 6824Chronic lung abscess
- DC 6825Fibrosis of lung, diffuse interstitial
- DC 6827Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
- DC 6828Eosinophilic granuloma
- DC 6829Drug-induced, pneumonitis & fibrosis
- DC 6830Radiation-induced, pneumonitis & fibrosis
- DC 6831Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- DC 6832Pneumoconiosis
- DC 6833Asbestosis
- DC 6834Histoplasmosis
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6826 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.