Diagnostic Code 6842 · 38 CFR §4.97
Fibrinous pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura (the membrane surrounding the lungs) that results in fibrin deposits. This can cause chest pain, restricted breathing, and in chronic cases, thickening of the pleura that permanently restricts lung expansion. Veterans may develop pleurisy from infections, chest trauma, or exposure to irritants during service. Residual pleural thickening can cause chronic restrictive lung disease.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Pleurisy fully resolved with no residual pleural thickening or PFT impairment. |
| 10% | Mild residual pleural thickening with minimal PFT impairment. Occasional pleuritic chest pain. |
| 30% | Moderate pleural thickening causing restrictive pattern on PFTs. Regular chest pain and some activity limitation. |
| 60% | Extensive pleural thickening with significant restrictive impairment on PFTs. Marked limitation of chest expansion and breathing. |
| 100% | Severe bilateral pleural disease causing respiratory failure or requiring continuous supplemental oxygen. |
CT scan showing pleural thickening. PFTs demonstrating restrictive pattern. Medical records of original pleurisy episode during service. Documentation of chronic symptoms and functional limitation.
Yes. An episode of pleurisy can leave permanent pleural thickening that restricts lung expansion. Even if the original infection resolved decades ago, the structural changes may cause chronic restrictive lung disease that worsens with age.
Fibrinous pleurisy (DC 6842) involves inflammation and fibrin deposits on the pleural surfaces, while chronic pleural effusion (DC 6845) involves persistent fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Both can cause restrictive lung disease, but the mechanism and treatment differ.