COPD — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Ratings under DC 6604 are assigned based on post-bronchodilator PFT results unless the results are poorer without bronchodilators, per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(4).
• When there is a disparity between values, VA generally uses the test result that produces the higher (more favorable) evaluation, per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(6).
• If a DLCO test is not of record, the examiner should state why it was not performed or why it is not a valid indicator of disability (per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(2)).
• The 100% tier can be reached by a single qualifying factor such as cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory failure, or the need for outpatient oxygen therapy—even if PFT numbers alone would rate lower.
• Ensure the PFT report specifies percent-predicted values, not raw liter volumes, so the criteria can be applied directly.

Evidence that helps

• Complete pulmonary function test (PFT) report showing FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, and DLCO as percent-predicted values
• Documentation of whether PFTs were performed pre- and/or post-bronchodilator
• Maximum exercise capacity test (oxygen consumption in mL/kg/min) if performed, with note on cardiac vs. respiratory limitation
• Echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization results if pulmonary hypertension is claimed
• Medical evidence of cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
• Records of any episodes of acute respiratory failure (ER/hospitalization notes)
• Prescription or documentation of outpatient oxygen therapy
• Confirmed COPD diagnosis (imaging, clinical notes)

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

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

• Asthma — COPD and asthma are both obstructive lung conditions rated on pulmonary function tests.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for copd?

The VA rates copd under 38 CFR diagnostic code 6604. 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, 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 echocardiogram 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 copd?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. COPD 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 copd VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Complete pulmonary function test (PFT) report showing FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, and DLCO as percent-predicted values; Documentation of whether PFTs were performed pre- and/or post-bronchodilator; Maximum exercise capacity test (oxygen consumption in mL/kg/min) if performed, with note on cardiac vs. respiratory limitation; Echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization results if pulmonary hypertension is claimed; Medical evidence of cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy; Records of any episodes of acute respiratory failure (ER/hospitalization notes); Prescription or documentation of outpatient oxygen therapy; Confirmed COPD diagnosis (imaging, clinical notes).

How do I get the correct rating for copd?

To be rated accurately: Ratings under DC 6604 are assigned based on post-bronchodilator PFT results unless the results are poorer without bronchodilators, per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(4).; When there is a disparity between values, VA generally uses the test result that produces the higher (more favorable) evaluation, per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(6).; If a DLCO test is not of record, the examiner should state why it was not performed or why it is not a valid indicator of disability (per 38 CFR 4.96(d)(2)).; The 100% tier can be reached by a single qualifying factor such as cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory failure, or the need for outpatient oxygen therapy—even if PFT numbers alone would rate lower.; Ensure the PFT report specifies percent-predicted values, not raw liter volumes, so the criteria can be applied directly..