VASRD 6602 · Respiratory
Bronchial Asthma VA Disability Rating
A chronic lung condition that causes wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing due to inflamed airways.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Frequent attacks or requires daily high-dose steroids or has respiratory failure. |
| 60% | Monthly asthma attacks or moderately reduced lung function. |
| 30% | Moderate asthma with occasional steroid use or mildly reduced breathing capacity. |
| 10% | Mild asthma treated with an inhaler and near-normal breathing tests. |
How the VA Evaluates Bronchial Asthma
Based on pulmonary function tests (FEV-1/FVC), frequency of attacks, and use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
Approval outlook
High – especially when linked to burn pits, dust exposure, or PACT Act presumptives.
Veterans service-connected
~114,000 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~30%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results showing FEV-1 percentages
- •Specialist (pulmonologist) notes with treatment history
- •Prescription history of corticosteroids or bronchodilators
Strategy Tips
- •Include all ER visits or steroid bursts
- •Connect with PACT Act if deployed in qualifying areas
- •Submit latest breathing test results
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Lack of current PFT results
- •Failure to report steroid frequency
- •Symptoms confused with other respiratory conditions
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No PFTs or inhaler records submitted
- •Not documenting frequency of attacks or ER visits
- •Leaving out link to exposure or deployment
Onset Patterns
- •Triggered during service by airborne irritants
- •Delayed onset after deployment or chemical exposure
- •Can worsen with age, smoke, or allergens
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Bronchial Asthma. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Bronchial Asthma is frequently claimed.
Common questions about Bronchial Asthma
- Is Bronchial Asthma a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Bronchial Asthma under VASRD diagnostic code 6602 (Respiratory). A chronic lung condition that causes wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing due to inflamed airways.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Bronchial Asthma?
- Possible VA ratings for Bronchial Asthma are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100%: Frequent attacks or requires daily high-dose steroids or has respiratory failure.; 60%: Monthly asthma attacks or moderately reduced lung function.; 30%: Moderate asthma with occasional steroid use or mildly reduced breathing capacity..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Bronchial Asthma?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Bronchial Asthma at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 114,000 veterans are service-connected for Bronchial Asthma. Estimated approval outlook: High – especially when linked to burn pits, dust exposure, or PACT Act presumptives.
- What evidence helps prove Bronchial Asthma for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Bronchial Asthma claim includes: Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results showing FEV-1 percentages; Specialist (pulmonologist) notes with treatment history; Prescription history of corticosteroids or bronchodilators.
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Bronchial Asthma?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Bronchial Asthma: No PFTs or inhaler records submitted; Not documenting frequency of attacks or ER visits; Leaving out link to exposure or deployment.
- Is Bronchial Asthma a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
- Yes, Bronchial Asthma is recognized as a presumptive condition. Presumptive for veterans with eligible deployment locations and active diagnosis
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Bronchial Asthma?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Bronchial Asthma include: Sleep Apnea, GERD, Anxiety. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.97 — Schedule of ratings — respiratory system (Diagnostic Code 6602)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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