Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, minimal, active (DC 6703)

Body system: Respiratory SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.97

This diagnostic code covers active minimal chronic pulmonary tuberculosis. The VA rates this at 100% throughout the active phase of disease. Once the disease becomes inactive, the rating transitions to DC 6723 (inactive pulmonary tuberculosis with the matching severity classification), which uses the General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis: graduated 100/50/30 over 11 years after the date of inactivity, then a permanent minimum based on the original severity of the active disease.

Rating levels

  • 100% — You qualify for 100% during active minimal pulmonary tuberculosis. The 100% rating continues for the entire active phase of disease. Once the disease becomes INACTIVE, the rating transitions to DC 6723 (the matching inactive pulmonary TB code), which uses the General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis (graduated 100/50/30/30/20/0 over 11+ years based on time since inactivity and prior disease severity).
  • -1% — When your tuberculosis becomes INACTIVE, the rating no longer comes from DC 6703. Instead it shifts to the matching inactive pulmonary TB code (DC 6723), which uses a time-graduated schedule under 38 CFR § 4.97: 100% for the first 2 years after inactivity, 50% for the next 4 years, 30% for the next 5 years, then a permanent minimum (30% with prior far advanced lesions, 20% with prior moderately advanced lesions + continued disability, otherwise 0%).

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.