Body system: Respiratory SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.97
Chronic INACTIVE pulmonary tuberculosis where the advancement classification of the prior active disease was not specified. The VA rates this condition under the General Rating Formula for Inactive Pulmonary Tuberculosis (38 CFR § 4.97). The schedule is graduated by time after the date of inactivity: 100% for the first 2 years, 50% for the next 4 years (through year 6), 30% for the next 5 years (through year 11). After year 11, the rating drops to a permanent minimum based on the severity of the prior active disease: 30% minimum if far advanced lesions were ever documented, 20% minimum if moderately advanced lesions plus continued disability remains, otherwise 0%.
Rating levels
- 100% — You qualify for 100% for two years immediately following the date your active pulmonary tuberculosis is determined to be inactive. The 100% rating applies regardless of current symptoms, the rule recognizes the systemic recovery period after active TB. After the 2-year window the rating transitions to the next tier on the graduated schedule below.
- 50% — After the initial 2-year 100% period, you qualify for 50% for the next 4 years, that is, from year 3 through year 6 after the date of inactivity. The 50% rating is automatic on this graduated schedule and applies whether or not you currently have symptoms.
- 30% — After the 50% period ends at the 6-year mark, you qualify for 30% for the next 5 years, that is, from year 7 through year 11 after the date of inactivity. After year 11, the graduated schedule ends and the rating shifts to whichever permanent minimum (or 0%) applies based on the severity of the prior active disease (see the tiers below).
- 30% — If your prior active tuberculosis was classified as FAR ADVANCED at any point during the active disease, you keep a minimum 30% rating permanently after the graduated schedule ends, regardless of current symptoms.
- 20% — If your prior active tuberculosis was classified as MODERATELY ADVANCED, you qualify for a minimum 20% rating permanently after the graduated schedule ends, PROVIDED you still have continued disability such as emphysema, dyspnea on exertion (shortness of breath with activity), or general impairment of health. If you have no residual disability, the rating drops to 0% under the next tier.
- 0% — You qualify for 0% if none of the higher tiers apply, that is, you are past the 11-year graduated schedule, you do not have a far advanced lesions history qualifying you for the 30% minimum, and either you did not have moderately advanced lesions or you have no continued disability from moderately advanced lesions. The 0% rating recognizes the diagnosis without compensable disability.