Asthma, bronchial
The VA rates Asthma, bronchial under Diagnostic Code 6602 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 3 documented secondary conditions linked to Asthma, bronchial.
Rating schedule — DC 6602 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 3
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Asthma, bronchial?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy Note: Asthma is rated based on pulmonary function test results (spirometry), frequency of attacks, and treatment required. FEV-1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) is the primary measurement. Veterans should obtain a C&P pulmonary function test. |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or; inhalational anti-inflammatory medication |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, or; intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids |
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or; more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or; requires daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications Note: A 100% rating for asthma requires near-total loss of respiratory function or daily high-dose systemic steroids. Veterans at this level typically require pulmonary rehabilitation and specialist management. |
“FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, or; intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Asthma, bronchial?
View 3 secondary conditions linked to Asthma, bronchial
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Asthma, bronchial VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Asthma, bronchial?
The VA rates Asthma, bronchial under Diagnostic Code 6602 at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy. The maximum 100% rating requires: FEV-1 less than 40-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or; more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or; requires daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Asthma, bronchial?
The VA rates Asthma, bronchial under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6602, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 100% rating for Asthma, bronchial?
A 10% rating requires: FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy. A 100% rating requires: FEV-1 less than 40-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or; more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or; requires daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Asthma, bronchial qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Asthma, bronchial alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Asthma, bronchial?
The key evidence for Asthma, bronchial is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Asthma, bronchial?
Asthma, bronchial is associated with 3 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Asthma, bronchial?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6602 rating criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) drive the rating. The examiner measures FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO. Test during symptomatic periods when possible — stable periods produce higher numbers that may underrate your condition.
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