Veterans with tuberculosis can receive VA disability benefits for the condition, and in specific circumstances, tuberculosis is presumptive to military service. This post explains the active and inactive tuberculosis VA ratings and who qualifies for benefits.
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You didn’t even know that people still got tuberculosis, but you just tested positive for the infection. If you’re in active duty or were in the past few years, the condition may be related to your military service. That’s why it’s important to understand the tuberculosis VA rating and what benefits you’re entitled to.
In this article about the inactive tuberculosis VA rating:
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by airborne bacteria. It spreads when someone who has it coughs or sneezes, and it can spread especially quickly in crowded places or places with poor airflow, and when you’re exposed to the bacteria for long periods of time.
TB commonly infects the lungs, but it can also infect the lymph nodes, brain, kidneys, and spine.
You may be at greater risk of contracting TB if you:
- Have a weakened immune system
- Are exposed to someone with the disease
- Live or work in a residential or close-quarters environment
- Travel to or come from a country where TB is common
There are two types of tuberculosis: active and inactive, also called “latent.” If you have active TB, you have noticeable symptoms and can spread it to others. These symptoms include:
- Cough
- Phlegm
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Swollen glands
- Unexplained weight loss
Inactive TB means you test positive for having the bacteria in your lungs, but you probably don’t have symptoms and aren’t contagious.
You must take antibiotics for at least six months to recover from active TB. Doctors will also likely treat inactive TB with medication to prevent it from becoming active.
Veterans and tuberculosis
Veterans are considered at high risk for tuberculosis because of crowded living conditions. You may also be prone to tuberculosis if you’re stationed in a location where TB is more common, like some countries in Asia, Africa, or Latin America.
To help prevent tuberculosis, service members are tested for the disease and encouraged to report any exposure or symptoms.
There also is a vaccination for TB, but it’s not common in the U.S. because tuberculosis isn’t a great concern in the country.
Active and inactive tuberculosis VA rating
The VA changed the tuberculosis rating for claims after Aug. 19, 1968. The VA currently rates active tuberculosis at 100% under diagnostic code 6730 in the Schedule of Ratings.
Once the TB becomes inactive, you will be asked to complete an updated exam and receive a new rating, according to diagnostic code 6731. The new rating is based on any residuals associated with the condition.
The VA may rate residuals as interstitial lung disease, restrictive lung disease, or chronic bronchitis. Residuals may also be rated in other areas, depending on your specific condition.
Presumptive service connection for tuberculosis
Because of the nature of military service, the VA gives tuberculosis a presumptive service connection in two cases.
A presumptive service connection means that when you apply for VA disability, you aren’t required to submit proof that your condition is medically linked to your service. Instead, the condition is automatically presumed to be service-connected.
First, the VA assumes TB is related to your military service if you develop it within three years of discharge. Second, TB is a presumptive condition of Gulf War Illness.
Gulf War Illness, or Gulf War Syndrome, is the name given to various chronic symptoms Gulf War veterans experience. A Gulf War veteran is anyone who served in specific locations in Southeast Asia from Aug. 2, 1990, to the present. TB is a presumptive condition for these veterans because it’s common in the area where they serve.
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TDIU for tuberculosis
Because TB is temporary, getting TDIU for active tuberculosis is not common. But, for veterans who experienced severe cases of tuberculosis that later led to other residual conditions, TDIU may still be possible.
For example, if you developed tuberculosis while in service, you may now be dealing with interstitial lung disease because of it. The extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and general discomfort may make it impossible to focus or exert enough energy to maintain a steady job.
A veteran can be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits if they can’t maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected conditions.
TDIU pays at the same level as a 100% disability rating, even when the veteran’s combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- One service-connected disability rated at least 60% OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.
How Woods & Woods can help
The VA-accredited attorneys at Woods & Woods have helped thousands of veterans nationwide get the disability benefits they deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. While it’s not common, you can get VA disability benefits for tuberculosis if it’s active or if you have residual conditions resulting from the illness.
The VA currently rates active tuberculosis at 100%. When the TB becomes latent, the VA then rates it based on the individual’s residual symptoms
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
