LOADING
Pleural Effusion VA Disability Rating is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6845 of 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 across 4 severity tiers (100% -- FEV-1 <40% predicted / 60% -- FEV-1 40-55% / 30% -- FEV-1 56-70% / 10% -- FEV-1 71-80%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
Pleural effusion (DC 6845) is rated based on resulting pulmonary impairment. May require repeated drainage procedures.
Pleural Effusion (DC 6845) is evaluated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 using the respiratory rating framework. Because it is rated by analogy to the general schedule, the 4 levels below describe the body-system criteria the VA applies — the percentage assigned to Pleural Effusion depends on the specific findings (range of motion, frequency, severity, or functional loss) documented at the C&P exam and in the medical record.
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.