38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.97
Chronic Active
dc-6730-chronic-active
Respiratory
Diagnostic code
6730
Why your DC matters: DC 6730 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 6730 — Chronic Active — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.97 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (6730) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “6730”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 6730 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 6730 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 6730 covers active pulmonary tuberculosis with onset of evaluation after August 19, 1968 — the date the VA TB schedule was restructured. Chronic active TB pays 100% during active disease (treatment phase typically 6-9 months), then transitions to inactive DC 6731 with a graduated payback schedule. The play has two parts: (1) make sure you got the 100% during active disease + full graduated post-treatment compensation; (2) audit for aggravation-of-arrested-TB if you had prior inactive TB that reactivated. Older veterans with in-service TB exposure (especially WWII, Korea, early Vietnam) often have residual abnormalities ratable under DC 6731 inactive that get missed entirely.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Pulmonary TB, chronic, active — full 100% during active disease state. | Sputum culture positive for M. tuberculosis; chest imaging showing active TB; ongoing TB treatment regimen (RIPE: rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol). |
| 50% | After cessation of active TB (DC 6731), graduated 50% rating for first 2 years. | Documentation of treatment completion + 2-year post-active window. |
| 30% | After cessation of active TB, graduated 30% rating for years 3-4 post-treatment. | Documentation of treatment completion + year 3-4 window. |
| 0% | After year 6 post-treatment if no residuals; permanent minimum based on residuals (DC 6731 inactive provisions). | Documentation of treatment completion + 6+ year window + current residuals assessment (PFTs, imaging, symptoms). |
What Qualifies Under DC 6730?
Confirmed active pulmonary TB
Sputum culture or AFB smear positive for M. tuberculosis; or chest imaging + clinical syndrome + treatment response. Onset of evaluation after August 19, 1968.
100% during active disease + graduated payback
DC 6730 schedule:
- • 100% — During active disease state (treatment phase)
- • 50% — Years 1-2 post-treatment (graduated under DC 6731 provisions)
- • 30% — Years 3-4 post-treatment (graduated)
- • 0% — Year 6+ unless residuals support a residuals-based rating
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic, active”
100% rating runs through the entire active phase. Active = sputum positive, on TB treatment, or imaging-documented active disease. Treatment typically 6-9 months for drug-susceptible TB.
“Graduated rating per § 4.97 post-active TB schedule”
Per the schedule, post-active TB follows a graduated payback: 100% during active → 50% for years 1-2 → 30% for years 3-4 → 0% (or residuals-based) thereafter. Many veterans miss the years 3-4 compensation.
“Aggravation of arrested tuberculosis”
If you had pre-service inactive TB that reactivated in service, the schedule allows aggravation-based compensation under § 3.306. Document pre-service TB + in-service reactivation.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
TB diagnosis (sputum culture, AFB smear, PCR, biopsy)
CRITICALMicrobiologic or pathologic confirmation of active TB. PPD/IGRA alone confirms latent infection, not active disease.
Treatment regimen documentation
CRITICALRIPE therapy or MDR-TB regimen records. Treatment completion date drives the post-active graduated schedule.
Chest imaging (CXR, CT) — pre/during/post treatment
CRITICALDocuments active disease state and residual abnormalities (cavitations, fibrosis, calcifications).
PFTs post-treatment
IMPORTANTFEV-1, DLCO. Documents residual pulmonary impairment for the post-6-year residuals-based rating.
In-service exposure / illness documentation
IMPORTANTDD-214, service treatment records, deployment locations (especially endemic-TB countries). Supports SC nexus.
Pre-service TB history (if applicable)
SUPPORTINGFor aggravation-of-arrested-TB claims under § 3.306.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring complete TB treatment records
Diagnosis date, treatment regimen, completion date. Establishes both the 100% active period and the start of the graduated post-active schedule.
Bring chest imaging series
Pre-treatment, during treatment, post-treatment. Documents disease activity and residuals.
Bring current PFTs
Post-treatment lung function. Drives the post-6-year residuals-based rating if any persists.
Don't accept 0% post-treatment without residuals workup
If you have any persistent cough, dyspnea on exertion, or fibrotic changes on imaging, push for the residuals-based rating under DC 6731.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Missing the graduated post-active compensation (years 1-4)
Schedule pays 50% for years 1-2 and 30% for years 3-4 after active TB treatment completion. Many veterans drop to 0% immediately after treatment, missing years of compensation. File supplemental if missed.
Not auditing residuals at the 6-year mark
After year 6, rating is based on residuals. PFTs + imaging + symptoms drive the rating. Don't accept 0% if you have pulmonary residuals.
Filing as TB exposure (latent) when active disease occurred
PPD/IGRA-positive without active disease = latent TB infection (no DC). Active disease with sputum positivity or imaging confirmation = DC 6730 (100% during active).
Missing aggravation-of-arrested-TB pathway
Pre-service inactive TB that reactivated in service triggers aggravation compensation under § 3.306. Often overlooked.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Audit the graduated post-active schedule (years 1-4)
Per § 4.97, post-active TB pays 50% for years 1-2 and 30% for years 3-4 after treatment completion. Many veterans drop to 0% immediately and miss years of compensation. Pull treatment completion date and audit your rating history. File supplemental for missed years.
⚡ File for residuals-based rating at year 6+
After the graduated payback ends, the rating is based on actual residuals (PFTs, imaging, symptoms). Get current PFTs + CT chest. Post-TB fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or COPD all rate under DC 6731 or related codes.
⚡ Aggravation of arrested TB — § 3.306 pathway
If you had inactive TB pre-service that reactivated in service, you're entitled to aggravation-based compensation. File § 3.306 analysis with pre-service medical records.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Pulmonary residuals (post-TB fibrosis, bronchiectasis)
STRONGDC 6731 / 6601
Post-TB lung damage rates under DC 6731 (inactive TB residuals) or DC 6601 (bronchiectasis) by analogy.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
MODERATEDC 6604
Post-TB COPD is recognized; rate separately if FEV-1 deficit.
Tuberculous laryngitis
SITUATIONALDC 6515
Active or inactive TB laryngitis rates separately under DC 6515.
Mental health (chronic disease impact)
MODERATEDC 9434
Chronic TB diagnosis with treatment burden and isolation impact drives well-documented MH secondaries.
Aggravation of pre-existing inactive TB
SITUATIONALPre-service inactive TB reactivated in service — file under § 3.306 aggravation analysis.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Active TB on treatment — 100% during active phase.
50% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,132.90
TOTAL
$1,132.90/mo
Years 1-2 post-treatment graduated rating.
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Years 3-4 post-treatment graduated rating.
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Year 6+ without residuals.
Post-TB residuals: 30% bronchiectasis + 30% pulmonary fibrosis
Base rating
$1,132.90
TOTAL
$1,132.90/mo
Post-active residuals can rate independently under DC 6601 / 6731 — stack.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
↔️What's the difference between DC 6730 and DC 6731?
DC 6730 = pulmonary TB, chronic, ACTIVE (paid 100% during active disease). DC 6731 = pulmonary TB, chronic, INACTIVE (graduated post-active schedule + residuals-based rating thereafter).
💊What is RIPE therapy?
Standard TB treatment regimen — Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol. Typically 6-9 months for drug-susceptible TB. MDR-TB requires longer/different regimens.
📅What's the August 19, 1968 cutoff?
Date the current VA TB schedule was restructured. Cases evaluated AFTER this date use DC 6730/6731. Cases evaluated BEFORE use the older 6701-6704 / 6721-6724 schedule.
📈What is aggravation of arrested TB?
If you had pre-service inactive TB that became active during service, § 3.306 allows compensation for the aggravation (worsening) of the pre-existing condition. Document pre-service TB + in-service reactivation.
How to File Your Claim
Confirm active TB diagnosis with treatment records
Sputum culture, AFB smear, RIPE regimen records.
Document treatment completion date
Anchors the graduated post-active schedule start.
Get current PFTs + chest imaging for residuals
Post-TB fibrosis, bronchiectasis, COPD residuals rate under DC 6731 / 6601 / 6604.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'pulmonary TB chronic active (DC 6730)' + 6731 residuals if applicable
Reference treatment completion date for graduated payback audit.
Audit aggravation-of-arrested-TB if applicable
§ 3.306 analysis if pre-service inactive TB reactivated in service.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Graduated post-active payback often missed
50% for years 1-2 + 30% for years 3-4 after treatment. Audit your rating history.
Residuals-based rating at year 6+
Don't accept 0% if you have post-TB pulmonary residuals — pursue DC 6731 / 6601 / 6604 ratings.
Latent TB ≠ Active TB
PPD/IGRA positive without active disease is latent infection — no DC. Active disease with microbiologic confirmation = DC 6730.
Aggravation pathway for pre-service TB
§ 3.306 allows aggravation compensation if pre-service inactive TB reactivated in service.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I get 100% during active TB?
Throughout the active disease state — typically the 6-9 month treatment phase for drug-susceptible TB, longer for MDR-TB. The rating drops to 50% (graduated) once active disease ceases and treatment is complete.
What happens to my rating after I complete TB treatment?
Per § 4.97 graduated schedule: 50% for years 1-2 post-treatment, 30% for years 3-4 post-treatment, then 0% (or residuals-based rating under DC 6731) thereafter. Audit your rating to ensure you got the graduated years.
Can I get a rating after the 6-year mark if I have residuals?
Yes — residuals such as post-TB fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or COPD rate independently under DC 6731, DC 6601, or DC 6604. Get current PFTs + CT chest to document residuals.
Is latent TB infection (positive PPD/IGRA) ratable?
No — latent TB infection without active disease has no DC. The rating applies only to active disease (DC 6730) or post-active residuals (DC 6731).
What if I had inactive TB before service that reactivated?
File under § 3.306 aggravation analysis. Pre-service inactive TB reactivated in service entitles you to aggravation-based compensation. Document pre-service TB history + in-service reactivation.
Official Regulatory Source
Active pulmonary TB is rated under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6730 (cases evaluated after August 19, 1968).
38 CFR § 4.97 — Respiratory System (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 6730. Pre-1968 cases use DC 6701-6704. Inactive TB residuals use DC 6731.
⚠️ Verify with a VSO
User-supplied tracker referenced 'DC 6505' for tuberculosis chronic — DC 6505 does not exist in current § 4.97. Substituted DC 6730 (Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active) as the correct active-TB code in the current schedule.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 6730, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6730 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.