VA Disability Rating for Asthma (Bronchial)
Rated 10/30/60/100% by pulmonary function test results and medication regimen. PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn pit vets.
Asthma (DC 6602) is rated by FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC ratio, and medication use. Under the PACT Act, asthma diagnosed after qualifying post-9/11 service in covered locations (Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, and others) is presumptive — no nexus letter needed.
Presumptive framework applies
PACT Act presumptive for veterans with qualifying post-9/11 burn pit / airborne hazard exposure. No medical nexus required — cite your service location and dates.
Check my presumptive eligibility →Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | FEV-1 71–80% predicted, OR intermittent inhalational bronchodilator therapy. |
| 30% | $552.47 | FEV-1 56–70%, OR daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | FEV-1 40–55%, OR at least monthly physician visits for exacerbations, OR intermittent courses of systemic corticosteroids. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | FEV-1 less than 40%, OR more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, OR daily use of systemic high-dose corticosteroids. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for asthma (bronchial)
- Obtain a pulmonary function test (PFT) — this drives the rating.
- Document inhaler use (rescue + daily maintenance).
- For post-9/11 vets: file under PACT Act presumptive — cite 38 CFR § 3.320 on the claim.
Common secondary conditions
- +Chronic rhinitis
- +Sinusitis
- +GERD
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- PACT presumptive: cite the framework, not mechanism-of-injury.
- Non-presumptive: document in-service respiratory events (sick-call visits, upper respiratory infections, sandstorm exposure).
Frequently asked
Is asthma presumptive under PACT?
Yes. Asthma is on the PACT Act presumptive list for post-9/11 vets with qualifying service. You do not need a medical nexus letter.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.