Vetrify

VASRD 6601 · Respiratory

Bronchiectasis VA Disability Rating

A condition where airways in the lungs become permanently widened, leading to mucus buildup and infections.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severe lung infections happen often and you need constant oxygen.
60%Frequent lung infections needing medication and time off.
30%Occasional lung infections and coughing up mucus.
10%Mild chronic lung irritation with occasional mucus.

How the VA Evaluates Bronchiectasis

The rating scales from mild chronic cough without frequent infections at the lowest tier, through one to three, then four to six incapacitating episodes per year, up to six or more episodes per year requiring continuous oxygen therapy at the highest tier, confirmed through CT imaging and pulmonary function testing.

Approval outlook

Moderate – if imaging and infection history are well documented.

Veterans service-connected

~1,700 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

  • •A CT scan showing bronchial dilation, the imaging finding that confirms the diagnosis.
  • •Pulmonary function test (PFT) results.
  • •A documented history of antibiotic treatment for lung infections.

Strategy Tips

  • •Document all infections and antibiotics used, since episode frequency is exactly what the rating tiers are built around.
  • •Get a current CT scan and pulmonary function test (PFT) before filing, since these are the specific diagnostic evidence this rating depends on.

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No imaging confirming the diagnosis.
  • •Overlapping symptoms with COPD that aren't clearly distinguished in the record.

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not including infection frequency, which is the specific criterion the rating tiers depend on.
  • •Failure to show a long-term treatment history.

Onset Patterns

  • •Bronchiectasis often starts after a severe lung infection or pneumonia, and can worsen over time if the underlying airway damage isn't managed.

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Bronchiectasis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Bronchiectasis is frequently claimed.

Army12AEngineerArmy12BCombat EngineerArmy12MFirefighterArmy15BAircraft Powerplant RepairerArmy15DAircraft Powertrain RepairerArmy15EUnmanned Aircraft Systems RepairerArmy15FAircraft ElectricianArmy15GAircraft Structural RepairerArmy15HAircraft Pneudraulics RepairerArmy15NAvionic MechanicArmy15PAviation Operations SpecialistArmy15RAH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer

Common questions about Bronchiectasis

Is Bronchiectasis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Bronchiectasis under VASRD diagnostic code 6601 (Respiratory). A condition where airways in the lungs become permanently widened, leading to mucus buildup and infections.
What VA disability rating can I get for Bronchiectasis?
Possible VA ratings for Bronchiectasis are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100%: Severe lung infections happen often and you need constant oxygen.; 60%: Frequent lung infections needing medication and time off.; 30%: Occasional lung infections and coughing up mucus..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Bronchiectasis?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Bronchiectasis at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,700 veterans are service-connected for Bronchiectasis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – if imaging and infection history are well documented.
What evidence helps prove Bronchiectasis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Bronchiectasis claim includes: A CT scan showing bronchial dilation, the imaging finding that confirms the diagnosis.; Pulmonary function test (PFT) results.; A documented history of antibiotic treatment for lung infections..
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Bronchiectasis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Bronchiectasis: Not including infection frequency, which is the specific criterion the rating tiers depend on.; Failure to show a long-term treatment history..
What conditions are commonly secondary to Bronchiectasis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Bronchiectasis include: Chronic Sinusitis, Asthma. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

  1. 38 CFR § 4.97 — Schedule of ratings — respiratory system (Diagnostic Code 6601)

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.

Estimate your combined rating

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