I guess my question is just that simple.... i don't know what it means or why its blacked out. Anyone know?

Equip your re-breather and remove it when DT is showing clearly. It's just a harmless display bug.

ok... but i dont have my re-breather yet for this playthrough. Still no big deal?

Used Med-X or Slasher? I always noticed it after useing the Re-breather, but anything that adds DR will cause this. The standard "Save -> Quit all the way desktop/dashboard -> Restart the game" should also get it back.