Veterans with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, chronic condition that can require daily, diligent management and long-term care. While CF is most commonly diagnosed in early childhood, many individuals are living longer, healthier lives, including those who have served in the military. For veterans with cystic fibrosis, or their caregivers, you may have questions about navigating care and accessing benefits through the VA, otherwise known as the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Understanding the VA’s Stance on Cystic Fibrosis

Because CF is a genetic disease,¹  it’s usually not recognized as a service-connected condition unless it can be proven that military service made your symptoms worse.

Some veterans with respiratory symptoms or chronic lung conditions have applied for benefits under related diagnoses like pulmonary fibrosis, which may be linked to service-related environmental exposures. In those cases, you may be able to apply a pulmonary fibrosis VA rating, depending on the severity and service connection.

How is a Cystic Fibrosis VA Rating Determined?

The VA Schedule of Ratings – Respiratory System is also otherwise known as Diagnostic Code 38 CFR § 4.97.² This outlines how the VA rates different respiratory disorders, including obstructive disorders: 

• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  Cystic fibrosis

A Cystic Fibrosis VA rating is based on how much the condition impacts your health and daily functioning. To determine this, the VA uses the aforementioned Schedule for Rating Disabilities to assign a percentage rating from 0% to 100%, reflecting the severity of symptoms and how they affect your ability to work.

For cystic fibrosis, the rating often considers:

• Results from your lung function test. This could be a FEV-1 from a spirometry test.
• How often and how severe your respiratory infections or hospitalizations are.
• The need for ongoing treatments: chest physiotherapy, inhaled medications, or oxygen therapy.
• If you have associated complications (e.g., diabetes, digestive issues, weight loss).
• How much the condition impact your daily activities and quality of life.

VA Ratings are broken down into 10%, 30%, 60% and 100%. Your rating directly impacts your benefits. Higher impairment = higher rating = higher compensation.

Does Cystic Fibrosis Disqualify You from the Military?

Generally, a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis disqualifies individuals from enlisting in the military³ due to the daily care it requires and the risk of respiratory infections. However, there are rare cases where individuals may be diagnosed later in life, sometimes after their military service has ended.

In general, there can be some confusion between cystic fibrosis vs. pulmonary fibrosis. While these lung conditions can cause similar symptoms, they are different conditions with unique causes and treatment paths.

Accessing Support Through the VA

Depending on your service history and health needs, you may qualify for VA healthcare coverage. But getting cystic fibrosis VA disability benefits isn’t guaranteed. That said, if your CF symptoms were diagnosed or worsened after your time in the military, or if you believe your military environment played a role, it may be worth working with a VA-accredited representative to help you navigate your claim. 

You Deserve Answers and Support

Navigating CF symptom management and care as a veteran can be complex, but your health and quality of life are worth fighting for. If you have questions about lung diseases, our articles exist as an ongoing resource for you. 

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic. “Cystic Fibrosis.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353700
2. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4
3. Department of Defense. “DOD INSTRUCTION 6130.03, VOLUME 1 MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR MILITARY SERVICE: APPOINTMENT, ENLISTMENT, OR INDUCTION” Retrieved from https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol01.pdf