Diagnostic Code 6844 · 38 CFR §4.97
This code covers the lasting effects of lung surgery, including lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe), pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung), wedge resection, and other thoracic surgical procedures. Even when surgery is successful in treating the original condition, removing lung tissue permanently reduces breathing capacity. Veterans may need lung surgery for combat injuries, cancer related to toxic exposure, infections, or other service-connected conditions. The residual impairment is rated based on post-surgical pulmonary function.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% | |
| 0% |
Operative report detailing the surgery and what was removed, Post-surgical PFT results showing residual impairment, Pathology report if surgery was for a mass or cancer, Evidence connecting the original condition to military service, Post-surgical chest imaging showing the changes, Records of any complications from surgery