VA Disability Rating for Chronic Bronchitis / COPD
Rated 10/30/60/100% by pulmonary function test results. PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn-pit vets.
Chronic bronchitis and COPD (DC 6604) are rated by FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC ratio, and DLCO. On the PACT Act presumptive list for post-9/11 burn-pit and airborne-hazard exposure.
Presumptive framework applies
PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn-pit / airborne-hazard exposure (38 CFR § 3.320).
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%. |
| 30% | $552.47 | FEV-1 56–70%, OR FEV-1/FVC 56–70%, OR DLCO 56–65%. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | FEV-1 40–55%, OR FEV-1/FVC 40–55%, OR DLCO 40–55%, OR max exercise capacity 15-20 mL/kg/min. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | FEV-1 <40%, OR FEV-1/FVC <40%, OR DLCO <40%, OR max exercise capacity <15 mL/kg/min, OR cor pulmonale, 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 / copd
- Pulmonary function test (PFT) — the rating driver.
- PACT Act post-9/11 qualifying service: file under presumption.
- Document medication regimen, oxygen use, exercise tolerance.
Common secondary conditions
- +Chronic bronchitis
- +Sleep apnea
- +Pulmonary hypertension
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- PACT: cite the framework.
- Non-presumptive: document in-service respiratory events, sick-call visits, smoke/dust exposure.
Frequently asked
Does smoking history disqualify me?
No. The VA does not deny COPD claims based on personal smoking history if another service-related cause is present (burn pits, occupational exposure). Tobacco use is not a bar to service connection.
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.