---
title: "DC 6831 - Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis)"
diagnostic_code: "6831"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6831-hypersensitivity-pneumonitis-extrinsic-allergic-alveolitis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:20:00.889421Z"
---

# DC 6831 - Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis)

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy |
| 60% | FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation |
| 30% | FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted |
| 10% | FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted |

# Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis)

**VA Diagnostic Code 6831 · Respiratory System · 38 CFR § 4.97**

## What This Condition Is

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis, is a lung condition affecting the respiratory system. The VA rates it under Diagnostic Code 6831 using the **General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease**.

## How the VA Rates It

The VA assigns a disability rating based primarily on the results of pulmonary function testing and related measures. The key measurements the VA considers are:

- **Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)** — expressed as a percent of what is predicted for the individual
- **Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB))** — expressed as a percent predicted
- **Maximum exercise capacity** — measured in ml/kg/min of oxygen consumption, with cardiorespiratory limitation
- **The presence of cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension**
- **Whether outpatient oxygen therapy is required**

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | What the VA Looks For |
|--------|------------------------|
| **100%** | FVC less than 50-percent predicted; **or** DLCO (SB) less than 40-percent predicted; **or** maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation; **or** cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension; **or** requires outpatient oxygen therapy |
| **60%** | FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted; **or** DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted; **or** maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation |
| **30%** | FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted; **or** DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted |
| **10%** | FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted; **or** DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted |

## What This Means

Within each rating level, meeting **any one** of the listed measurements can support that rating. Generally, the more significantly lung function is reduced — or the more serious the associated findings such as pulmonary hypertension or the need for oxygen therapy — the higher the rating level under this diagnostic code.

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 6831. It is provided for general reference and does not guarantee any particular rating outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97