Diagnostic Code 6833 · 38 CFR §4.97
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which scar the lung tissue over time. The scarring makes the lungs stiff and impairs breathing. Symptoms develop gradually, often decades after exposure, and include progressive shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest tightness, and finger clubbing. Navy veterans are at especially high risk due to asbestos used extensively in ships for insulation, pipe covering, and fireproofing. Other at-risk veterans include those who worked in construction, vehicle maintenance, or industrial settings during service.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
High-resolution CT scan showing pleural plaques, interstitial fibrosis, or other asbestosis findings, Pulmonary function tests with DLCO measurement, Documentation of asbestos exposure during military service — ship records, job assignments, facility history, Pulmonology evaluation confirming the asbestosis diagnosis, Service records showing MOS or duty stations with known asbestos exposure, Buddy statements from fellow service members about asbestos conditions