Diagnostic Code 6821 · 38 CFR §4.97
Mycotic lung disease refers to fungal infections of the lungs, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever), blastomycosis, and cryptococcosis. Veterans stationed in certain geographic regions—particularly the Ohio/Mississippi River valleys (histoplasmosis) or the desert Southwest (Valley Fever)—may have been exposed to fungal spores during service. Some develop chronic pulmonary damage from these infections.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Infection resolved with no residual pulmonary impairment on testing. |
| 30% | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with mild to moderate impairment on PFTs. Ongoing symptoms such as productive cough or exertional dyspnea. |
| 50% | Moderate to severe impairment with significantly reduced PFT values. Requires ongoing antifungal treatment or shows progressive lung damage on imaging. |
| 100% | Severe chronic infection with near-total incapacity, respiratory failure, or disseminated disease affecting multiple organ systems. |
Service records showing duty stations in endemic fungal areas. Positive serology or cultures from the active infection period. Current PFT results and chest imaging showing chronic changes. Treatment records for antifungal therapy.
Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal infection common in the desert Southwest US. Veterans who trained or were stationed at bases in Arizona, California, Nevada, or New Mexico may have inhaled fungal spores. Some develop chronic lung disease from this exposure.
Yes. Many fungal infections remain dormant or cause slow progressive damage. If you can show you served in an endemic area and later developed the condition, a medical nexus opinion can bridge the gap.