---
title: "DC 6836 - Blastomycosis"
diagnostic_code: "6836"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6836-blastomycosis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:20:01.386116Z"
---

# DC 6836 - Blastomycosis

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

General Rating Formula for Mycotic Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6834 through 6839)

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis |
| 50% | Chronic pulmonary mycosis requiring suppressive therapy with no more than minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough |
| 30% | Chronic pulmonary mycosis with minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough |
| 0% | Healed and inactive mycotic lesions, asymptomatic |

## Notes

- Note: Coccidioidomycosis has an incubation period up to 21 days, and the disseminated phase is ordinarily manifest within six months of the primary phase. However, there are instances of dissemination delayed up to many years after the initial infection which may have been unrecognized. Accordingly, when service connection is under consideration in the absence of record or other evidence of the disease in service, service in southwestern United States where the disease is endemic and absence of prolonged residence in this locality before or after service will be the deciding factor.

# Blastomycosis (VA Diagnostic Code 6836)

## Understanding Your VA Disability Rating for Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is a fungal (mycotic) lung disease affecting the **respiratory system**. The VA rates this condition under **38 CFR § 4.97**, Diagnostic Code 6836, using the **General Rating Formula for Mycotic Lung Disease**.

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## What Is Blastomycosis?

Blastomycosis is a type of pulmonary mycosis — a fungal infection that affects the lungs. Symptoms and severity can vary widely, ranging from healed, inactive lesions with no symptoms to chronic pulmonary disease with significant respiratory complications. The VA assigns a disability rating based on how active the disease is and the specific symptoms you experience.

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## Available Rating Levels

The VA uses the following rating levels for Blastomycosis:

### 100% — Most Severe
Chronic pulmonary mycosis with persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

### 50%
Chronic pulmonary mycosis requiring suppressive therapy, with no more than minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough.

### 30%
Chronic pulmonary mycosis with minimal symptoms such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough.

### 0% — Non-Compensable
Healed and inactive mycotic lesions that are asymptomatic (no symptoms present).

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## What the VA Looks For When Rating Blastomycosis

When evaluating Blastomycosis, the VA considers factors such as:

- Whether the pulmonary mycosis is **chronic** or has **healed and become inactive**
- The presence of **persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats, or massive hemoptysis** (which support the highest rating)
- Whether the condition **requires suppressive therapy**
- The presence of **minimal symptoms** such as occasional minor hemoptysis or productive cough
- Whether lesions are **healed, inactive, and asymptomatic**

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## Important Note on Related Fungal Diseases

For reference, the rating notes include guidance on Coccidioidomycosis (a related mycotic disease):

> Coccidioidomycosis has an incubation period up to 21 days, and the disseminated phase is ordinarily manifest within six months of the primary phase. However, there are instances of dissemination delayed up to many years after the initial infection which may have been unrecognized. Accordingly, when service connection is under consideration in the absence of record or other evidence of the disease in service, service in southwestern United States where the disease is endemic and absence of prolonged residence in this locality before or after service will be the deciding factor.

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*This information is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6836. Individual ratings depend on your specific medical evidence and circumstances.*

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