Diagnostic Code 6603 · 38 CFR §4.97
Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are damaged and destroyed, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. This causes progressive shortness of breath, as the lungs cannot efficiently transfer oxygen into the blood. Emphysema is one form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Veterans may develop emphysema from smoking during service, burn pit exposure, asbestos inhalation, industrial chemical exposure, or other environmental hazards encountered during military duty.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Pulmonary function test results with all values (FEV-1, FVC, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO), Chest CT scan showing emphysematous changes, Oxygen saturation levels and any supplemental oxygen prescription, Service records documenting environmental exposures, Deployment records for burn pit or asbestos exposure, Treatment records showing inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory medications