VA Disability Rating for Chronic Bronchitis
Rated 10–100% based on PFT results (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO). PACT Act presumptive.
Chronic bronchitis (DC 6600) uses the same General Rating Formula as asthma, COPD, and emphysema — pulmonary function tests drive the rating. Highest of FEV-1 %, FEV-1/FVC %, or DLCO % predicted is used. PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn-pit exposure.
Presumptive framework applies
PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn-pit / airborne-hazard exposure.
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 FEV-1/FVC 71–80%, OR DLCO 66–80% predicted. |
| 30% | $552.47 | FEV-1 56–70% predicted, OR FEV-1/FVC 56–70%, OR DLCO 56–65% predicted. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | FEV-1 40–55% predicted, OR FEV-1/FVC 40–55%, OR DLCO 40–55% predicted, OR maximum O2 consumption 15–20 ml/kg/min. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | FEV-1 <40% predicted, OR FEV-1/FVC <40%, OR DLCO <40%, OR cor pulmonale, OR pulmonary hypertension, OR requires outpatient oxygen. |
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 chronic bronchitis
- Pulmonary function test (PFT) is REQUIRED — the rating is computed from these numbers.
- PFT must be performed post-bronchodilator unless contraindicated.
- PACT-qualifying service: file as presumptive.
- Document chronic productive cough lasting 3+ months in 2 consecutive years (clinical bronchitis definition).
Common secondary conditions
- +Sleep apnea
- +Sinusitis
- +Depression
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Burn-pit exposure: file as presumptive.
- Smoking history is a confounder but not disqualifying — VA cannot deny solely on smoking.
Frequently asked
I am a smoker. Will the VA deny my bronchitis claim because of that?
No. VA cannot deny service-connection solely because the veteran smokes — that's an explicit prohibition under 38 USC § 1103. If service exposure (burn pits, asbestos, dust) materially contributed, service-connection still applies.
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.