Asbestosis
DC 6833 §4.97 Respiratory ICD-10: J61 DirectPresumptive PACT Act / occupational asbestos exposure
Lung scarring from asbestos. Common in Navy veterans (ships) and certain MOS.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | See COPD-style PFT criteria |
Filing this claim
If you have qualifying service for the PACT Act / occupational asbestos exposure presumption, you don't need a nexus letter — file as a primary claim with proof of qualifying service and your current diagnosis. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Gather proof of qualifying service (DD-214, deployment records, etc.) — no nexus letter needed.
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.97. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.