Pleurisy, tuberculous, active or inactive (DC 6732)

Rating levels

• 100% — You qualify for 100% during active tuberculous pleurisy (active tuberculosis infection of the pleura, the thin membranes lining the lungs and chest cavity, often producing pleural effusion). The 100% rating continues during the active phase of disease. Once the disease becomes INACTIVE, the rating shifts to the graduated post-inactivity schedule under either 38 CFR § 4.88c or § 4.89, see the Notes below for which applies and the timing.
• -1% — If your initial entitlement to TB compensation began AFTER Aug 19, 1968: you receive 100% for ONE YEAR after the date your tuberculous pleurisy is determined to be inactive. After that one-year window, the 100% ends and any lasting damage (residuals) is rated SEPARATELY under whichever body-system code best matches the deficit, common pleurisy residuals include restrictive lung impairment (rated under the respiratory codes) and pleural scarring/thickening. The residual rating is coded with the TB code prefix (e.g., a pleural-residual condition coded as 5001-XXXX). If you have BOTH pulmonary and nonpulmonary TB residuals, the 1-year total cannot apply to both simultaneously, the VA uses the total for one and combines it with the residuals of the other to give you the best overall benefit during that year.
• -1% — If you were already receiving (or entitled to receive) TB compensation ON Aug 19, 1968, you fall under the older graduated schedule protected by Pub. L. 90-493. After tuberculous pleurisy is determined to be inactive, the schedule runs: 100% for the first 2 years, 50% for the next 4 years (years 3 through 6), 30% for the next 5 years (years 7 through 11), and 0% afterward unless you have a separately compensable permanent residual. The graduated rating is NOT combined with residuals of nonpulmonary TB unless the residual covers a different functional loss (for example, a graduated rating for tuberculous pleurisy combined with residuals of TB of the spine would be allowed because they affect different functional areas). All ending dates are controlled by the date of attainment of inactivity. The rating decision must specifically mention the Pub. L. 90-493 protection.