Bronchitis, chronic
The VA rates Bronchitis, chronic under Diagnostic Code 6600 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 6600 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Bronchitis, chronic?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Chronic bronchitis diagnosed but without productive cough or measurable impairment in pulmonary function. FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC within normal limits. No FVC impairment. Non-compensable (0%) rating when service connection is established but impairment does not reach the 10% threshold. |
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; DLCO (SB) of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit) |
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, 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 cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy |
“FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted”
What other respiratory conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Bronchitis, chronic in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 6520Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)Rated up to 100%
- 6521Pharynx, injuries toRated up to 50%
- 6522Allergic or vasomotor rhinitisRated up to 30%
- 6523Bacterial rhinitisRated up to 50%
- 6524Granulomatous rhinitisRated up to 100%
- 6601BronchiectasisRated up to 100%
- 6602Asthma, bronchialRated up to 100%
- 6603Emphysema, pulmonaryRated up to 100%
- 6604Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseRated up to 100%
- 6701Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, far advanced, activeRated up to 100%
What to do with a Bronchitis, chronic rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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On this site
- What a 100% rating paysCurrent monthly amounts, dependent additions, and what the tier unlocks.
- Chronic Bronchitis (Burn Pit, PACT Act) as a presumptive conditionService, exposure and dates VA requires to presume service connection.
- Constrictive Bronchiolitis as a presumptive conditionService, exposure and dates VA requires to presume service connection.
Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- VA Presumptive Conditions Explained: When VA Presumes the LinkA presumptive condition means VA presumes your service caused it, so you skip the nexus fight. See the categories, the PACT Act, and what you still prove.
- TDIU: 100 Percent VA Pay Without a 100 Percent RatingTDIU pays the 100% VA compensation rate without a 100% rating. See the percentage paths, the extraschedular route under 38 CFR 4.16(b), and how work affects it.
- P&T vs 100% VA Disability: What Is the Difference?Permanent and total (P&T) and a 100 percent VA rating are not the same thing. Here is what total, permanent, and protected each mean, and what P&T unlocks.
Common Questions About Bronchitis, chronic VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Bronchitis, chronic?
The VA rates Bronchitis, chronic under Diagnostic Code 6600 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Chronic bronchitis diagnosed but without productive cough or measurable impairment in pulmonary function. FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC within normal limits. No FVC impairment. Non-compensable (0%) rating when service connection is established but impairment does not reach the 10% threshold.. The maximum 100% rating requires: FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, 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 cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Bronchitis, chronic?
The VA rates Bronchitis, chronic under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6600, published in 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 0% and a 100% rating for Bronchitis, chronic?
A 0% rating requires: Chronic bronchitis diagnosed but without productive cough or measurable impairment in pulmonary function. FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC within normal limits. No FVC impairment. Non-compensable (0%) rating when service connection is established but impairment does not reach the 10% threshold.. A 100% rating requires: FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, 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 cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Bronchitis, chronic qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Bronchitis, chronic 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 Bronchitis, chronic?
The key evidence for Bronchitis, chronic 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.
What happens at the C&P exam for Bronchitis, chronic?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6600 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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