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

RatingCriteria
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 rate

High – especially when linked to burn pits, dust exposure, or PACT Act presumptives.

Annual service-connected

114,000 veterans

Average rating

30%

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.

  • Sleep Apnea

    Asthma-related inflammation can worsen airway obstruction at night

  • GERD

    Reflux can trigger asthma symptoms

  • Anxiety

    Fear of attacks can cause persistent stress

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Bronchial Asthma is frequently claimed.

Air Force1A0X1In-Flight RefuelingAir Force4H0X1Cardiopulmonary Laboratory

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?
The average awarded rating for Bronchial Asthma is 30%. Roughly 114,000 veterans are service-connected for Bronchial Asthma each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Bronchial Asthma combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator