Free · From a nonprofit · No account needed
Asthma, bronchial
Diagnostic code 6602 · 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 |
|---|---|
| 6602 Asthma, bronchial: | |
| FEV-1 less than 40-percent 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 systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications | 100 |
| FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, or; intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids | 60 |
| 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; inhalational anti-inflammatory medication | 30 |
| FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy | 10 |
| Note: In the absence of clinical findings of asthma at time of examination, a verified history of asthmatic attacks must be of record. |
Notes for the whole table
1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter.
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): Criterion 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.
An accredited representative can help you with your claim for free. Find a VA-accredited representative.
File this claim for free
VetEZ Claim is a free app from VetClaims Alliance, a nonprofit. Start with an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966): it can hold your effective date, the date back pay can start from, for up to a year while you get your claim ready. You review and sign each form, and the app sends it to VA. No subscriptions or paid upgrades.