Diffuse interstitial fibrosis, also known as interstitial pneumonitis or fibrosing alveolitis, is a type of interstitial lung disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring makes it difficult for the lungs to function properly and can lead to shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms.
Exposure to environmental toxins such as asbestos, silica, and coal dust can cause interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma can cause interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
Certain infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis can cause interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
Certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics can cause interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
In some cases, the cause of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis is unknown.
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a common symptom of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
A dry cough that does not produce phlegm is another common symptom of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
Pain in the chest, especially while breathing or coughing, can be a symptom of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
Clubbing of fingers, which is the enlargement of the fingertips, can occur in some cases of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
A thorough examination of the lungs and chest is performed to assess the presence of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
Imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or PET scan may be used to visualize the lungs and determine the extent of the scarring.
Pulmonary function tests measure how well the lungs are functioning and can help diagnose interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
A bronchoscopy procedure allows direct visualization of the lungs and can help identify the site and severity of the scarring.
A biopsy may be performed to obtain a sample of the lung tissue for examination under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosing alveolitis.
General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833):
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General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833):
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General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833):
{{ALL_CONDITIONS}}
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) less than 50-percent predicted, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or; cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy |
100 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
FVC of 50- to 64-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation |
60 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
FVC of 65- to 74-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 56- to 65-percent predicted |
30 |
| Description | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
FVC of 75- to 80-percent predicted, or; DLCO (SB) of 66- to 80-percent predicted |
10 |
General Rating Formula for Interstitial Lung Disease (diagnostic codes 6825 through 6833):
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