Bronchiectasis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6601)
The VA rates Bronchiectasis under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6601, from 10% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year. Related conditions in the Respiratory body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Bronchiectasis?
Intermittent productive cough with acute infection requiring a course of antibiotics at least twice a year
With incapacitating episodes of infection of two to four weeks total duration per year, or; daily productive cough with sputum that is at times purulent or blood-tinged and that requires prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic usage more than twice a year
With incapacitating episodes of infection of four to six weeks total duration per year, or; near constant findings of cough with purulent sputum associated with anorexia, weight loss, and frank hemoptysis and requiring antibiotic usage almost continuously
With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year
“With incapacitating episodes of infection of four to six weeks total duration per year, or; near constant findings of cough with purulent sputum associated with anorexia, weight loss, and frank hemoptysis and requiring antibiotic usage almost continuously”
How does the VA rate Respiratory conditions?
Common Questions About Bronchiectasis VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Bronchiectasis?
The VA rates Bronchiectasis under Diagnostic Code 6601 at the following tiers: 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Intermittent productive cough with acute infection requiring a course of antibiotics at least twice a year. The maximum 100% rating requires: With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year.
What is Diagnostic Code 6601?
Diagnostic Code 6601 is the VA rating identifier for Bronchiectasis within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Bronchiectasis?
The highest schedular rating for Bronchiectasis under DC 6601 is 100%. This tier requires: With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Bronchiectasis alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Bronchiectasis ratings?
Bronchiectasis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6601. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Bronchiectasis?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Bronchiectasis may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Bronchiectasis?
Service connection for Bronchiectasis requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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