Claiming Asthma?
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VA Rating Tiers
100%
FEV-1 less than 40% of predicted, or requiring daily use of high-dose systemic corticosteroids
60%
FEV-1 of 40-55% of predicted, or requiring daily use of inhaled or oral systemic corticosteroids
30%
FEV-1 of 56-70% of predicted, or requiring daily bronchodilator therapy or anti-inflammatory inhalants
10%
FEV-1 of 71% or higher with daily medication required
0%
Symptomatic but not meeting threshold for 10% — service connection still matters for secondary conditions
Rating Notes
- ›100%: FEV-1 less than 40% of predicted — or requiring daily systemic corticosteroids. DC 6602.
- ›60%: FEV-1 40–55% of predicted — or requiring daily inhaled or oral corticosteroids. DC 6602.
- ›30%: FEV-1 56–70% of predicted — or requiring daily bronchodilator or anti-inflammatory therapy. DC 6602.
- ›10%: FEV-1 71% or higher with continuous medication required to control symptoms. DC 6602.
- ›0%: Symptomatic but below medication threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 6602 rates asthma primarily on FEV-1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) as a percentage of predicted normal — a pulmonary function test (PFT) is essential for any rating above 0%.
- ›The C&P examiner will order a PFT if you don't already have one — go to your exam even without PFT results.
- ›Daily bronchodilator or anti-inflammatory use without FEV-1 results may still support a 30% rating based on treatment needs.
- ›PACT Act presumptive eligibility may apply for veterans with qualifying deployments after August 2, 1990.
- ›Asthma secondary to service-connected rhinitis or sinusitis is a valid alternative nexus strategy.
- ›Oral corticosteroid use (prednisone) for asthma control is a strong indicator of a higher rating — document every prescription.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Asthma is one of the primary conditions covered under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits, open air burn areas, and airborne hazards — especially in Southwest Asia.
- •Veterans with qualifying PACT Act deployments may have a presumptive nexus — the VA cannot require you to prove your asthma was caused by service if you meet deployment criteria.
- •The VA rates asthma primarily on FEV-1 (lung function test) and how much bronchodilator use is required — a pulmonary function test (PFT) is critical.
- •Asthma diagnosed or worsened after service can still be service connected if the nexus to in-service exposure is documented.
- •Asthma can also be filed secondary to rhinitis or sinusitis that is already service connected.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •deployment records showing service in Southwest Asia or PACT Act covered locations
- •sick call or medical records showing respiratory complaints during service
- •records of inhaler prescriptions or breathing treatments during service
- •PACT Act burn pit registry enrollment
- •post-deployment health assessments (PDHA/PDHRA) noting respiratory symptoms
Medical Evidence
- •pulmonary function test (PFT / spirometry) showing FEV-1 values
- •records diagnosing asthma or reactive airway disease
- •records documenting bronchodilator use (daily vs as-needed)
- •records of emergency or urgent care visits for asthma attacks
- •records of oral corticosteroid (prednisone) prescriptions for asthma
- •allergy testing if allergic component present
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing onset of breathing symptoms during or shortly after service
- •statement describing frequency and severity of asthma attacks
- •buddy statement confirming deployment exposure or observed breathing difficulties
Diagnostic Tests
- •spirometry / pulmonary function test (PFT) — measures FEV-1
- •bronchodilator reversibility testing
- •methacholine challenge test (confirms airway hyperreactivity)
- •peak flow monitoring
- •chest X-ray or CT
- •FeNO test (airway inflammation)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Pulmonary / Respiratory DBQ — Bronchial Asthma
Be ready to describe
- •when breathing symptoms first started — especially if during or shortly after deployment
- •specific deployment locations and known exposures (burn pits, dust, smoke, chemicals)
- •how often you use your rescue inhaler and why
- •what daily medications you take for asthma control
- •your FEV-1 results if you have them, or that you need a PFT ordered
- •how asthma limits physical activity, sleep, and work
- •any ER visits or hospitalizations for breathing attacks
Prep notes
- •Get a pulmonary function test (PFT) before your exam if at all possible — your FEV-1 is the number the VA uses to assign your rating.
- •Do not use your rescue inhaler right before the C&P exam — go in with your baseline so your results reflect your true impairment.
- •Bring a list of all asthma medications — both controller and rescue — with dosages.
- •Be specific about PACT Act deployment locations and exposure types.
- •If you've had ER visits or hospitalizations, mention dates and hospital names.
- •Describe the worst your symptoms get during an attack, not just an average day.
- •If your asthma is triggered by exercise, smoke, or cold air — say so specifically.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 6602
- Category
- Respiratory
- Subcategory
- Lower Airway
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 100%
Also Known As
asthmareactive airway diseasebronchial asthmaexercise induced asthmaoccupational asthmaRADairway hyperreactivitywheezingshortness of breath
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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