right ventricular hypertrophy has been diagnosed have been one or more episodes of acute respiratory failure, or outpatient oxygen therapy is required. Notes: If a maximum exercise capacity test is not of record, evaluate based on alternative criteria. A diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension requires objective documentation by an echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization. Reference: For more information on when PFTs are required, see . j. Assigning Disability Evaluations Based on the Results of PFTs The table below contains instructions for assigning disability evaluations based on the results of PFTs. If… And… Then … PFTs are not consistent with clinical findings the examiner does not state why PFTs are not a valid indication of respiratory disability evaluate based on PFTs. PFTs are not consistent with clinical findings the examiner states why PFTs are not a valid indication of respiratory disability evaluate on alternative criteria. there is a disparity between PFT results (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV-1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO)) the evaluation would differ depending on the test result used use the test result that the examiner states most accurately reflects the level of disability. FEV-1 is greater than 100 percent FVC is greater than 100 percent do not assign a compensable evaluation based on a decreased FEV-1/FVC ratio. DLCO is not of record the examiner states why DLCO would not be useful or valid evaluate based on alternative criteria.
Introduction This topic contains information about arrested tuberculosis, including processing graduated ratings in effect on August 19, 1968 processing ratings in effect after August 19, 1968 requesting examinations during the graduated rating period processing notification of failure to follow treatment or submit to examination, and processing cases of irregular discharge. Change Date August 3, 2011 a. Processing Graduated Ratings in Effect on August 19, 1968 For graduated ratings in effect on August 19, 1968, award a total evaluation for two years after the date of complete arrest or inactivity established under as set forth under the general rating formula following of the rating schedule reduce the evaluation to 50 percent for four years, and reduce the evaluation to 30 percent for another five years, and the expiration of the 11-year period continue the 30-percent evaluation, if far advanced active lesions exist assign a 20-percent evaluation, if are moderately advanced lesions with continued disability, or assign a 0-percent evaluation if the first two criteria do not apply. b. Processing Ratings in Effect After August 19, 1968 If pulmonary tuberculosis is established after August 19, 1968, continue the 100-percent evaluation for one year after the date of inactivity established under , and thereafter apply the general rating formula for residuals in the rating schedule under . c. Requesting Examinations During the Graduated Rating Period Do not request an examination for rating purposes during the period covered by the graduated ratings. d. Processing Notification of Failure to Follow Treatment or Medical authorities will notify the RO of a Veteran’s failure to follow prescribed treatment or submit to examination requested for treatment purposes during the period of total disability following complete arrest of the tuberculosis.