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DC 6604Respiratory System38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

VA disability rating criteria for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) under Diagnostic Code 6604. The VA assigns ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, 100% based on the severity and functional impact of your condition.

Rating Criteria

10%Disability Rating

FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent.

Note: COPD encompasses chronic obstructive bronchitis, emphysema, and related airflow obstruction conditions. Diagnosis requires spirometry with post-bronchodilator FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 0.70. Rated identically to bronchitis per pulmonary function criteria.

30%Disability Rating

FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent.

60%Disability Rating

FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent.

100%Disability Rating

FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted; or; FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent; or; 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.

Note: COPD at 100% corresponds to GOLD Stage IV (very severe). Veterans at this level are often oxygen-dependent and may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for aid and attendance.

Secondary Conditions

3 known secondary conditions linked to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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