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.
Presumptive condition — PACT Act - burn pits / airborne hazards
COPD is on the PACT Act presumptive list for veterans with qualifying burn-pit-era service: the Southwest Asia theater on or after August 2, 1990, or Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen, or their airspace on or after September 11, 2001.
How the VA rates it
Rated under diagnostic code 6604 based on pulmonary function tests: FEV-1 (percent of predicted), the FEV-1/FVC ratio, or DLCO (a gas-diffusion measure). Meeting any single criterion in a tier qualifies for that tier. The 100 percent level can also be met through outpatient oxygen therapy, cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, or episodes of acute respiratory failure. VA generally uses post-bronchodilator values.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted, or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiac or respiratory limitation, or cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or right ventricular hypertrophy, or pulmonary hypertension, or episodes of acute respiratory failure, or requires outpatient oxygen therapy.
FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min with cardiorespiratory limitation.
FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 56 to 65 percent predicted.
FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 66 to 80 percent predicted.
What those terms mean
- METs
- — Metabolic equivalents — a measure of how much physical activity your heart can handle before symptoms start. Lower METs = worse heart function = higher rating.
- 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.
- Pulmonary hypertension / cor pulmonale — Advanced COPD can cause right-sided heart strain; these complications feed into the 100 percent criteria rather than a separate rating.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression or anxiety secondary to the limitations of chronic lung disease is sometimes claimed.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Complete pulmonary function testing including FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, and DLCO — the rating tracks the objective numbers, and DLCO sometimes rates higher than spirometry alone.
- If you use supplemental oxygen at home, get the prescription in the record; outpatient oxygen therapy alone supports 100 percent.
- Be aware that disability attributable to in-service tobacco use cannot be service-connected (38 U.S.C. 1103); a medical opinion tying COPD to burn pits, other exposures, or a service-connected condition is important for direct and secondary claims.
Rating rules to know
Under 38 CFR 4.96(a), COPD cannot be combined with ratings for other respiratory codes 6600-6817 or 6822-6847 (including chronic bronchitis, asthma, and sleep apnea). A single rating is assigned under the predominant 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%
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.
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 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.