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Bronchitis, chronic
Diagnostic code 6600 · Respiratory system · 38 CFR 4.97
VA has proposed changing these rules
The proposal (87 FR 8474 (supplemental proposal 89 FR 74162, Sept. 12, 2024), published February 15, 2022) is not in effect. The rules on this page still apply until VA publishes a final rule.
Read the proposal in the Federal RegisterRating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.97. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6600 Bronchitis, chronic: | |
| FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (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 (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires outpatient oxygen therapy | 100 |
| 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 limit) | 60 |
| FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 56- to 65-percent predicted | 30 |
| FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; DLCO (SB) 66- to 80-percent predicted | 10 |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Or rate according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic bronchitis (DC 6600).
Depending on the specific findings, rate residuals as interstitial lung disease, restrictive lung disease, or, when obstructive lung disease is the major residual, as chronic bronchitis (DC 6600). Rate thoracoplasty as removal of ribs under DC 5297.
Under diagnostic code 6731 (Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactive)
Note: Evaluate other residuals following pulmonary embolism under the most appropriate diagnostic code, such as chronic bronchitis (DC 6600) or chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis (DC 6844), but do not combine that evaluation with any of the above evaluations.
Or rate active disease or residuals as chronic bronchitis (DC 6600) and extra-pulmonary involvement under specific body system involved
Notes for the whole table
1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter.
Related codes in the regulation
- 6601 BronchiectasisMentioned together
- 6731 Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, inactiveMentioned together
- 6817 Pulmonary Vascular DiseaseMentioned together
- 6846 SarcoidosisMentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.97, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Evaluation September 9, 1975; criterion October 7, 1996.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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