Respiratory cancers
Malignant neoplasms of the respiratory system. Diagnostic Code 6819.
Overview
Respiratory cancers include cancers of the lungs, bronchus, larynx, and trachea. VA rates active cancer at 100 percent.
How VA rates it
Diagnostic Code 6819 · 38 CFR 4.97
Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.
| Rating | Summary of the criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active malignancy. The rating continues after treatment ends, with a mandatory VA exam six months later. |
If there is no recurrence or spread, VA then rates residuals.
Common secondary connections
These are conditions often discussed in connection with Respiratory cancers. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.
- Lung function loss
- Depression
Presumptive notes
VA lists respiratory cancers as an Agent Orange presumptive cancer, and respiratory cancer of any type as a PACT Act burn pit presumptive. Read the full eligibility rules on VA.gov.
Evidence veterans generally gather
VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:
- Pathology and oncology records
- Deployment or service location records
- A current diagnosis from a medical provider
- Service treatment records and personnel records
- VA and private treatment records
- Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
- A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available
Official source
Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.97 on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.
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