Asthma, bronchial
Asthma, bronchial is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6602, from 10% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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. Most claims establish the 10% or 30% rating before reaching the top tier.
What are the VA rating criteria for Asthma, bronchial?
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.
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
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
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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Asthma, bronchial may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Asthma, bronchial?
Service connection for Asthma, bronchial requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
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 is the C&P exam like for Asthma, bronchial?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Asthma, bronchial uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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