Diagnostic Code 6845 · 38 CFR §4.97
Pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity. Pleural fibrosis (also called pleural thickening) is scarring of the pleural membranes that restricts lung expansion. Both conditions can impair breathing by preventing the lungs from fully expanding. Veterans may develop these from infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis), chest injuries, asbestos exposure, cancer treatment, or other service-related causes. Asbestos-related pleural disease is particularly common among Navy veterans.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% | |
| 0% |
Chest CT scan showing pleural effusion or thickening, Pulmonary function tests documenting restrictive impairment, Records of thoracentesis (fluid drainage) procedures if performed, Pleural biopsy results if performed, Service records documenting the causative exposure or injury, Asbestos exposure documentation for asbestos-related cases