VA Disability Rating for Chronic Bronchitis (DC 6600)
Diagnostic Code 6600 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production lasting at least three months per year for two consecutive years. The bronchial tubes become inflamed and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Veterans commonly develop chronic bronchitis from exposure to burn pits, dust, sand, diesel exhaust, chemical agents, or industrial substances during military service. Smoking during service is also a contributing factor.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or DLCO less than 40 percent of predicted, or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation, or cor pulmonale, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, or need for outpatient oxygen therapy. |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or DLCO of 40 to 55 percent of predicted, or maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min. |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or DLCO of 56 to 65 percent of predicted. |
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or DLCO of 66 to 80 percent of predicted. |
Evidence Needed
- Pulmonary function test results with FEV-1, FVC, FEV-1/FVC ratio, and DLCO measurements
- Chest X-ray or CT scan showing bronchitic changes
- Documentation of chronic productive cough lasting three or more months per year
- Service records showing exposure to respiratory irritants — burn pits, dust, chemicals
- Deployment records for dusty or contaminated environments
- Treatment records showing bronchodilators, inhalers, or other respiratory medications
C&P Exam Tips
- PFT results are the primary basis for your rating — make sure you have recent, complete testing
- Perform the PFT to the best of your ability with maximum effort on each attempt
- Describe your exposure history in detail: burn pits, dust storms, vehicle exhaust, chemicals
- Report daily symptoms: coughing frequency, mucus production, breathing difficulty, exercise limitations
- Bring your inhaler list and describe how often you use each one
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with PFT results, exposure documentation, and deployment records. PACT Act claims for burn pit exposure may provide presumptive service connection.
Common Mistakes
Filing without complete PFT results You need FEV-1, FVC, FEV-1/FVC ratio, and DLCO — all four values. Missing any one can result in a lower rating. Not documenting exposure history Environmental and occupational exposure during service is key to the service connection. Get buddy statements and include deployment records. Not registering for the Burn Pit Registry If your bronchitis is related to burn pit exposure, register with the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to support your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is chronic bronchitis different from COPD?
Chronic bronchitis is actually one type of COPD. If you are diagnosed with COPD, the VA typically rates it under DC 6604 (COPD). If specifically diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, DC 6600 is used. Both use the same PFT-based rating criteria.
Does burn pit exposure qualify for presumptive service connection?
Under the PACT Act, certain respiratory conditions related to burn pit exposure during service may qualify for presumptive service connection, making it easier to establish the link to your military service.
What if my PFTs are borderline?
The VA should use the PFT values that result in the highest rating. If your FEV-1 gives a higher rating than your FEV-1/FVC ratio, the higher value should be used.