Chronic Bronchitis — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Post-bronchodilator PFT results are used to evaluate under DC 6600 unless the results are poorer without a bronchodilator, per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(4).
• If a DLCO test is not of record or is not valid, VA rates on the alternative criteria (FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC); note in the report why DLCO was excluded if applicable.
• When PFT results are not consistent with clinical findings, the examiner should state which test result most accurately reflects the level of disability, per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(6).
• Report the single highest evaluation supported by any qualifying test value — the criteria within a tier are disjunctive ('OR').
• Document whether pulmonary hypertension was established by echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization, as required for the 100% criterion.

Evidence that helps

• Complete pulmonary function test (PFT) report with pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV-1, FVC, FEV-1/FVC, and DLCO (SB) values
• Exercise/cardiopulmonary testing showing maximum oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min), if performed
• Echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization report documenting pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular hypertrophy, if claimed
• Records of any acute respiratory failure episodes (hospitalization/ICU/ventilator records)
• Prescription/DME records establishing outpatient (home) oxygen therapy requirement
• Diagnosis confirming chronic bronchitis and treatment history

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Bronchitis — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• COPD — Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD and rated on the same pulmonary-function criteria.
• Asthma — Obstructive airway conditions frequently overlap.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for chronic bronchitis?

The VA rates chronic bronchitis under 38 CFR diagnostic code 6600. The rating tiers are: 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 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.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is chronic bronchitis?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Chronic Bronchitis can be rated from 10% to 100%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a chronic bronchitis VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Complete pulmonary function test (PFT) report with pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV-1, FVC, FEV-1/FVC, and DLCO (SB) values; Exercise/cardiopulmonary testing showing maximum oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min), if performed; Echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization report documenting pulmonary hypertension or right ventricular hypertrophy, if claimed; Records of any acute respiratory failure episodes (hospitalization/ICU/ventilator records); Prescription/DME records establishing outpatient (home) oxygen therapy requirement; Diagnosis confirming chronic bronchitis and treatment history.

How do I get the correct rating for chronic bronchitis?

To be rated accurately: Post-bronchodilator PFT results are used to evaluate under DC 6600 unless the results are poorer without a bronchodilator, per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(4).; If a DLCO test is not of record or is not valid, VA rates on the alternative criteria (FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC); note in the report why DLCO was excluded if applicable.; When PFT results are not consistent with clinical findings, the examiner should state which test result most accurately reflects the level of disability, per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(6).; Report the single highest evaluation supported by any qualifying test value — the criteria within a tier are disjunctive ('OR').; Document whether pulmonary hypertension was established by echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization, as required for the 100% criterion..