Bronchial Asthma

DC 6602Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602

A lung condition that makes it hard to breathe because your airways narrow and swell. The VA rates asthma based on lung function tests (FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC ratio) or how much medication you need.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 6602

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your lung function tests show FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or you have more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or you require daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40%
More than one attack per week with respiratory failure
Daily systemic high-dose corticosteroids
Daily immunosuppressive medications
Hospitalizations for respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a pulmonary function test (PFT) before and after bronchodilator use — the VA uses your post-bronchodilator results unless the pre-bronchodilator results are more favorable to you.
⚠Forgetting to document medication use — daily inhaler use versus intermittent use makes the difference between 10% and 30%. Bring your medication list.
⚠Not tracking emergency room visits and steroid courses — the 60% rating requires documentation of at least three courses of oral or IV steroids per year or monthly physician visits.
⚠Missing secondary connections — asthma can be secondary to environmental exposures during service (burn pits, chemical exposure) or aggravated by GERD.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (other than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Bronchial Asthma or rated under the same body system.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

DC 7346·Digestive·Possible secondary

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory·Possible secondary

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Chronic Sinusitis

DC 6510·Respiratory·Possible secondary

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DC 6604·Respiratory

Allergic Rhinitis

DC 6522·Respiratory

Pulmonary Embolism (Residuals)

DC 6817·Respiratory

Sarcoidosis

DC 6846·Respiratory

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6602

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40%
More than one attack per week with respiratory failure
Daily systemic high-dose corticosteroids
Daily immunosuppressive medications
Hospitalizations for respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a pulmonary function test (PFT) before and after bronchodilator use — the VA uses your post-bronchodilator results unless the pre-bronchodilator results are more favorable to you.

⚠Forgetting to document medication use — daily inhaler use versus intermittent use makes the difference between 10% and 30%. Bring your medication list.

⚠Not tracking emergency room visits and steroid courses — the 60% rating requires documentation of at least three courses of oral or IV steroids per year or monthly physician visits.

⚠Missing secondary connections — asthma can be secondary to environmental exposures during service (burn pits, chemical exposure) or aggravated by GERD.