VASRD 6604 · Respiratory System

Chronic Bronchitis VA Disability Rating

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing persistent cough and mucus production.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severe lung disease – very limited breathing and heart strain.
60%Significant lung impairment that limits physical activity.
30%Moderate chronic bronchitis with breathing difficulty during exertion.
10%Mild symptoms with occasional cough or shortness of breath.

How the VA Evaluates Chronic Bronchitis

Requires spirometry (PFT) including FEV-1 and DLCO, medical diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, and documentation of symptoms.

Approval rate

Moderate – higher if linked to exposure like burn pits or smoking.

Annual service-connected

8,200 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •VA or private pulmonologist diagnosis
  • •Pulmonary function test results
  • •C&P exam with respiratory symptoms documented
  • •Treatment history with inhalers or steroids

Strategy Tips

  • •Get a full PFT and document all symptoms
  • •Tie condition to environmental exposure if possible
  • •Include treatment logs and C&P exam notes

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Improper PFT technique skewing FEV-1 scores
  • •No continuous documentation of chronicity
  • •Attributing symptoms to smoking without considering service exposure

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No PFT included in evidence
  • •Omitting service-related exposure history
  • •Claiming as acute bronchitis instead of chronic

Onset Patterns

  • •Starts with persistent cough, often worsens seasonally
  • •May follow frequent respiratory infections or exposures

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Sleep Apnea

    Airway inflammation worsens nighttime breathing issues.

  • Pulmonary Hypertension

    Chronic lung strain can lead to heart and vascular changes.

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Chronic Bronchitis is frequently claimed.

Army12MFirefighterArmy12VConcrete and Asphalt Equipment OperatorArmy12WCarpentry and Masonry SpecialistArmy13MMultiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) CrewmemberArmy13TField Artillery Meteorological CrewmemberArmy15BAircraft Powerplant RepairerArmy15GAircraft Structural RepairerArmy19KM1 Armor CrewmanArmy68HOptical Laboratory SpecialistArmy68RVeterinary Food Inspection SpecialistArmy68SPreventive Medicine SpecialistArmy68TAnimal Care Specialist

Common questions about Chronic Bronchitis

Is Chronic Bronchitis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Chronic Bronchitis under VASRD diagnostic code 6604 (Respiratory System). Inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing persistent cough and mucus production.
What VA disability rating can I get for Chronic Bronchitis?
Possible VA ratings for Chronic Bronchitis are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Severe lung disease – very limited breathing and heart strain.; 60% — Significant lung impairment that limits physical activity.; 30% — Moderate chronic bronchitis with breathing difficulty during exertion..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Chronic Bronchitis?
The average awarded rating for Chronic Bronchitis is 30%. Roughly 8,200 veterans are service-connected for Chronic Bronchitis each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – higher if linked to exposure like burn pits or smoking..
What evidence helps prove Chronic Bronchitis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Chronic Bronchitis claim includes: VA or private pulmonologist diagnosis; Pulmonary function test results; C&P exam with respiratory symptoms documented; Treatment history with inhalers or steroids.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Chronic Bronchitis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Chronic Bronchitis: No PFT included in evidence; Omitting service-related exposure history; Claiming as acute bronchitis instead of chronic.
Is Chronic Bronchitis a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Chronic Bronchitis is recognized as a presumptive condition. Presumptive if served in a qualifying location under the PACT Act.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Bronchitis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Chronic Bronchitis include: Sleep Apnea, Pulmonary Hypertension. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

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

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