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

Requires CT scan confirmation, medical history of infections, pulmonary function tests, and possibly sputum cultures.

Approval rate

Moderate – if imaging and infection history are well documented.

Annual service-connected

1,700 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •CT scan showing bronchial dilation
  • •Pulmonary function test (PFT) results
  • •History of antibiotic treatment for infections

Strategy Tips

  • •Document all infections and antibiotics used
  • •Get a current CT scan and PFT before filing

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No imaging confirming diagnosis
  • •Overlapping symptoms with COPD not addressed

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not including infection frequency
  • •Failure to show long-term treatment

Onset Patterns

  • •Often starts after severe lung infection or pneumonia
  • •Can worsen over time if untreated

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Chronic Sinusitis

    Drainage issues in airways affect upper respiratory tract

  • Asthma

    Lung irritation and mucus buildup can trigger asthma

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?
The average awarded rating for Bronchiectasis is 30%. Roughly 1,700 veterans are service-connected for Bronchiectasis each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – if imaging and infection history are well documented..
What evidence helps prove Bronchiectasis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Bronchiectasis claim includes: CT scan showing bronchial dilation; Pulmonary function test (PFT) results; History of antibiotic treatment for infections.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Bronchiectasis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Bronchiectasis: Not including infection frequency; Failure to show long-term treatment.
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.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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