VASRD 6817 · Respiratory System
Pulmonary embolism VA Disability Rating
Blockage in lung arteries typically caused by blood clots.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Pulmonary embolism
The rating ranges from mild residuals following an acute episode at the lowest tier, through a chronic condition with reduced exertional capacity, up to ongoing oxygen therapy or severe impairment at the highest tier, confirmed through CT scan, D-dimer testing, and oxygen saturation levels.
Approval outlook
Moderate
Veterans service-connected
~1,200 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~60%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •A pulmonary angiogram confirming the diagnosis.
- •An echocardiogram assessing any resulting heart strain.
- •Hospitalization records from the acute event.
Strategy Tips
- •Document any supplemental oxygen use, since this is direct evidence supporting the highest rating tier.
- •Include your history of blood clots, since underlying clotting risk factors provide important context for the condition's origin and ongoing risk.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •The condition being confused with asthma or another respiratory issue rather than clearly documented as embolism residuals.
- •No confirmation imaging included in the evidence.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No acute care records documenting the original event.
- •Missing D-dimer results or imaging that would confirm the diagnosis.
Onset Patterns
- •Pulmonary embolism typically has a sudden onset, and is often triggered by a period of immobility, surgery, or an underlying clotting disorder.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Pulmonary embolism. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
DVT
Shortness of breath
Chronic hypoxia
Common questions about Pulmonary embolism
- Is Pulmonary embolism a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Pulmonary embolism under VASRD diagnostic code 6817 (Respiratory System). Blockage in lung arteries typically caused by blood clots.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Pulmonary embolism?
- Possible VA ratings for Pulmonary embolism are 100%, 60%, 30%. Examples: 100%: Ongoing oxygen therapy or severe impairment; 60%: Chronic condition with reduced exertional capacity; 30%: Following acute episode with mild residuals.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Pulmonary embolism?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Pulmonary embolism at around 60%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,200 veterans are service-connected for Pulmonary embolism. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate.
- What evidence helps prove Pulmonary embolism for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Pulmonary embolism claim includes: A pulmonary angiogram confirming the diagnosis.; An echocardiogram assessing any resulting heart strain.; Hospitalization records from the acute event..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Pulmonary embolism?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Pulmonary embolism: No acute care records documenting the original event.; Missing D-dimer results or imaging that would confirm the diagnosis..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Pulmonary embolism?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Pulmonary embolism include: DVT, Shortness of breath, Chronic hypoxia. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.97 — Schedule of ratings — respiratory system (Diagnostic Code 6817)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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