Reference: 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602

Sources & Related Guides

What is the VA rating for Asthma (Bronchial Asthma)?

Asthma (Bronchial Asthma) is evaluated under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6602. The rating schedule primarily uses two sets of criteria: pulmonary function tests (PFTs), specifically FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC ratios, and the type and frequency of medication required to control the condition. It is a presumptive condition under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic exposures in qualifying locations.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

Evaluated on spirometric flow rates (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC) or the frequency and intensity of required inhalational or systemic corticosteroid therapy.

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Overview

About this condition

Evaluated on spirometric flow rates (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC) or the frequency and intensity of required inhalational or systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602

This guide provides regulatory reference criteria under 38 CFR Part 4. RatingScope does not provide medical diagnoses or predict adjudicative outcomes.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

10%

Highest listed pathway

FEV-1 of 71-80% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 71-80%, or requiring intermittent inhaler therapy.

What separates the next level: Higher ratings require lower FEV-1 scores or daily/more intensive medication use.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 71 to 80 percent, or intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.
Qualification explanation
A 10% rating is assigned if PFTs fall in the 71-80% range, or if the veteran requires intermittent use of an inhaler.
Examples
Uses an albuterol inhaler occasionally.; PFT shows FEV-1 at 75%.
Medical evidence
PFT results; Prescription for intermittent bronchodilator

30%

Highest listed pathway

FEV-1 of 56-70% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 56-70%, or requiring daily inhaler therapy.

What separates the next level: A 60% rating requires systemic (oral or injected) steroids or immunosuppressants.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 56 to 70 percent, or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or inhalational anti-inflammatory medication.
Qualification explanation
A 30% rating requires daily use of inhalers (bronchodilators or anti-inflammatories) or PFTs in the 56-70% range.
Examples
Uses a daily maintenance inhaler (e.g., Advair, Symbicort).; PFT shows FEV-1 at 65%.
Medical evidence
PFT results; Prescription and pharmacy records for daily inhalers

60%

Highest listed pathway

FEV-1 of 40-55% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 40-55%, or requiring intermittent courses of systemic corticosteroids, or monthly physician visits for exacerbations.

What separates the next level: A 100% rating requires daily high-dose steroids or near-constant severe impairment.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 40 to 55 percent, or at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, or intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or intravenous) corticosteroids.
Qualification explanation
A 60% rating is assigned for severe asthma requiring systemic steroids at least three times a year, monthly doctor visits for attacks, or PFTs in the 40-55% range.
Examples
Prescribed oral prednisone 4 times this year for asthma attacks.; PFT shows FEV-1 at 50%.
Medical evidence
PFT results; Medical records showing systemic steroid prescriptions and frequent clinic visits

100%

Highest listed pathway

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40%, or requiring daily high-dose systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications.

What separates the next level: This is the maximum schedular evaluation for asthma.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
FEV-1 less than 40-percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40 percent, or more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or requires daily use of systemic (oral or intravenous) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications.
Qualification explanation
Assigned for profound respiratory impairment or when the condition can only be managed with daily systemic high-dose steroids.
Examples
Takes oral prednisone daily.; PFT shows FEV-1 at 35%.
Medical evidence
PFT results; Records of daily systemic corticosteroid therapy

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Bronchial Asthma DBQ

The DBQ organizes diagnosis and clinical findings for Bronchial Asthma.

A DBQ is useful context, but RatingScope does not require uploads and this hub does not accept records.

Diagnosis and treatment records

Treatment notes can show the current condition, course over time, therapy, and clinician observations.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Official VA Forms & DBQs

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

Take the public DBQ to your private physician or review it prior to your C&P examination.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

How is Bronchial Asthma evaluated?

Evaluated on spirometric flow rates (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC) or the frequency and intensity of required inhalational or systemic corticosteroid therapy.

What separates the 10% rating from adjacent levels?

Higher ratings require lower FEV-1 scores or daily/more intensive medication use.

What separates the 30% rating from adjacent levels?

A 60% rating requires systemic (oral or injected) steroids or immunosuppressants.

What separates the 60% rating from adjacent levels?

A 100% rating requires daily high-dose steroids or near-constant severe impairment.

What separates the 100% rating from adjacent levels?

This is the maximum schedular evaluation for asthma.

Related Conditions

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External source/reference

38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602

Official regulation source for Bronchial Asthma. Use the official source for current rule text.

Open 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602

External source/reference

VA Bronchial Asthma DBQ

Public VA DBQ showing the kinds of findings that may be documented.

Open VA Bronchial Asthma DBQ

Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Asthma (Bronchial Asthma)

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Asthma (Bronchial Asthma) yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Asthma (Bronchial Asthma).

VA Respiratory Non-Combination Rules: 38 CFR 4.96 Explained

Learn why the VA does not combine respiratory conditions under 38 CFR 4.96(a), and how predominant ratings and rating elevations work.

How VA Rates Asthma: DC 6602 Inhaler and PFT Criteria

Learn how the VA evaluates bronchial asthma under 38 CFR 4.97 (DC 6602) using spirometric pulmonary function tests (FEV-1) and required inhaler therapies.

Asthma vs. COPD in VA Disability Claims: Ratings, PFTs, and Pyramiding

Compare how the VA evaluates asthma (DC 6602) versus COPD (DC 6604), anti-pyramiding rules under 38 CFR 4.14, and medication versus spirometry criteria.

Pulmonary Function Tests in VA Disability Claims: PFT and Spirometry Guide

Learn how the VA interprets Pulmonary Function Tests (FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO) to assign disability ratings from 10% to 100% under 38 CFR 4.97.

VA Respiratory C&P Exam and DBQ Guide: Spirometry, Inhalers, and Evidence

Prepare for your VA respiratory C&P exam. Learn what examiners test on the Respiratory DBQ, mandatory spirometry procedures, and essential medical evidence.

PACT Act Respiratory Presumptive Conditions: Burn Pits and Airborne Hazards

Explore the complete list of respiratory conditions presumptively service-connected under the PACT Act (38 CFR 3.320) from burn pit and particulate exposure.

How VA Rates Chronic Sinusitis: DC 6510-6514 Episode Frequency

Understand how the VA rates chronic sinusitis under 38 CFR 4.97 based on annual incapacitating episodes, antibiotic treatments, and radical surgery.

How VA Rates COPD: DC 6604 Pulmonary Function Criteria

Learn how the VA evaluates Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease under 38 CFR 4.97 (DC 6604) using FEV-1, DLCO, and oxygen therapy requirements.

VA Sleep Apnea Evidence Guide: Sleep Studies, CPAP Necessity, and DBQs

Understand the medical evidence required for VA sleep apnea claims, including polysomnography requirements, CPAP medical necessity, and DBQs.

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