Diagnostic Code 6817 · 38 CFR §4.97
Pulmonary vascular disease encompasses conditions affecting the blood vessels in the lungs, including pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lung arteries), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), and other vascular disorders. These conditions can cause severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, and heart failure as the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood through damaged lung vessels. Veterans may develop these conditions from blood clots during service, toxic exposures, chronic lung disease, or heart conditions related to military service.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 0% |
Right heart catheterization results (the gold standard for pulmonary hypertension), Echocardiogram showing right heart function and estimated pulmonary pressures, CT pulmonary angiography showing blood clots or vascular disease, Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan results, Anticoagulation therapy records, Service medical records or nexus letter linking the condition to service