Bronchitis, chronic

DC 6600 Respiratory System

Bronchitis, chronic is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 6600 in the Respiratory System category. Maximum rating: 100%.

Source: 38 CFR § 4.96-4.97 - Schedule of Respiratory Ratings

Rating	Criteria
100%	FEV-1 less than 40% of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or DLCO (SB) less than 40% of predicted, or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or cor pulmonale, or right ventricular hypertrophy, or pulmonary hypertension, or requires outpatient oxygen therapy
60%	FEV-1 of 40-55% of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40-55%, or DLCO (SB) of 40-55% of predicted, or maximum oxygen consumption of 15-20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit)
30%	FEV-1 of 56-70% of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56-70%, or DLCO (SB) of 56-65% of predicted
10%	FEV-1 of 71-80% of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71-80%, or DLCO (SB) of 66-80% of predicted

Per 38 CFR 4.97 DC 6600. DLCO criteria are critical for burn pit veterans whose gas exchange impairment may not show on FEV-1.

Filing Tips

Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.

Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.

Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.

Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.

Review the rating criteria for DC 6600 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.

Abscess of the Lung

DC 6824

Actinomycosis

DC 6822

Acute Recurring Sinusitis (RARS)

DC 6510

Adenocarcinoma of the Trachea

DC 6819

Adenocarcinoma, Respiratory

DC 6819

Adenoidectomy

DC 6516

Adenoids, Hypertrophy

DC 6516

Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Lung

DC 6819