Asthma (Bronchial Asthma)
Asthma is a chronic airway disease causing wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. VA rates it on pulmonary function test (PFT) results or on how much medication and medical care it requires, whichever applies.
Presumptive condition — PACT Act - burn pits / airborne hazards, Gulf War particulate matter (38 CFR 3.320)
Asthma diagnosed after service is presumptive under the PACT Act for veterans with qualifying burn-pit-era service: the Southwest Asia theater (Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Somalia, and their airspace) on or after August 2, 1990, or Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen, or their airspace on or after September 11, 2001. An earlier Gulf War particulate-matter rule (38 CFR 3.320) also presumes asthma that manifested within 10 years of separation for similar service.
How the VA rates it
Asthma is rated under diagnostic code 6602 using either spirometry results (FEV-1 as a percent of predicted, or the FEV-1/FVC ratio) or treatment intensity — daily inhalers, courses of oral steroids, frequency of doctor visits or attacks. You qualify for a tier if you meet any one of its criteria. VA generally uses post-bronchodilator PFT results.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or requires daily use of high-dose oral/injected corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications.
FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or at least monthly doctor visits for required care of exacerbations, or intermittent courses of systemic (oral) corticosteroids at least three times per year.
FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or use of inhalational anti-inflammatory medication (such as a daily steroid inhaler).
FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or intermittent (as-needed) inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.
What those terms mean
- FEV-1
- — A breathing test number: how much air you can force out in one second, as a percentage of what's normal for you. Lower = worse.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- GERD — Reflux is sometimes claimed secondary to asthma or its bronchodilator/steroid medications, which can relax the esophageal sphincter.
- Sleep Apnea — Asthma and obstructive sleep apnea frequently coexist and can aggravate each other; note the respiratory pyramiding rule if both are claimed.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Allergic Rhinitis — Rhinitis and asthma are closely linked airway conditions; asthma can be claimed as secondary to or aggravated by service-connected rhinitis.
- GERD — Chronic acid reflux can trigger or aggravate asthma symptoms.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Get recent pulmonary function tests in the record — spirometry with post-bronchodilator values is the objective backbone of the rating.
- Document every prescription: a daily inhaled corticosteroid alone supports 30 percent, and three or more oral steroid bursts per year supports 60 percent.
- If no active symptoms show at your C&P exam, VA requires a verified documented history of asthma attacks — keep treatment records and urgent care visits.
- For PACT Act claims, ensure your DD-214 or service records establish qualifying service locations and dates.
Rating rules to know
Under 38 CFR 4.96(a), asthma cannot be combined with ratings for other respiratory codes 6600-6817 or 6822-6847 (including COPD, bronchitis, and sleep apnea). A single rating is assigned for the predominant respiratory disability.
Related diagnostic codes
More respiratory conditions
Sleep Apnea (Obstructive, Central, or Mixed)
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. VA rates it on how it is treated and how severe the effects are, from documented-but-asymptomatic up to chronic respiratory failure.
Rated up to 100%
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is chronic nasal inflammation causing congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. VA rates it on whether nasal polyps are present and how blocked the nasal passages are, with a maximum of 30 percent.
Rated up to 30%
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is long-term inflammation and infection of the sinus cavities causing headaches, facial pain, and discharge. VA rates all forms on one shared formula based on how many sinusitis episodes you have per year and how severe they are.
Rated up to 50%
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes breathing difficult. VA rates it almost entirely on objective pulmonary function test results, with higher ratings for oxygen therapy or heart complications.
Rated up to 100%
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes with a persistent productive cough. VA rates it on the same pulmonary function test criteria used for COPD.
Rated up to 100%
Deviated Nasal Septum (Traumatic)
A deviated septum is a displacement of the wall between the nostrils that blocks airflow. VA rates it under a single 10 percent tier, and only when the deviation is traumatic (caused by injury).
Rated up to 10%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.