Burn Pit Constrictive Bronchiolitis

DC 6600Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6600

Damage to the small airways in the lungs from breathing in smoke and toxins from military burn pits. This condition is especially important for veterans covered by the PACT Act. The scarring in the small airways makes it hard to breathe and gets worse over time. The VA rates this condition based on lung function test results.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 6600

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6600. 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

You have constrictive bronchiolitis with FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted, or you require supplemental oxygen, or you have cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Supplemental oxygen required
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension
Severe exercise intolerance
Lung transplant evaluation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not registering with the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry — this free VA registry documents your exposure and strengthens your claim. Register even if you have not yet filed.
⚠Standard PFTs may appear near-normal despite significant small airway disease — request high-resolution CT with expiratory views to show air trapping, and ask for full PFTs including lung volumes and DLCO.
⚠Not taking advantage of PACT Act presumptive coverage — the PACT Act creates a presumption of service connection for certain respiratory conditions related to burn pit and toxic exposure. Check if your deployment and condition qualify.
⚠Not documenting all deployment locations and dates with burn pit exposure — your DD-214, deployment orders, and buddy statements describing the burn pits at your specific location are critical evidence.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions

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

Condition Rating Guides

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

Burn Pit Constrictive Bronchiolitis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6600

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Supplemental oxygen required
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension
Severe exercise intolerance
Lung transplant evaluation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not registering with the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry — this free VA registry documents your exposure and strengthens your claim. Register even if you have not yet filed.

⚠Standard PFTs may appear near-normal despite significant small airway disease — request high-resolution CT with expiratory views to show air trapping, and ask for full PFTs including lung volumes and DLCO.

⚠Not taking advantage of PACT Act presumptive coverage — the PACT Act creates a presumption of service connection for certain respiratory conditions related to burn pit and toxic exposure. Check if your deployment and condition qualify.

⚠Not documenting all deployment locations and dates with burn pit exposure — your DD-214, deployment orders, and buddy statements describing the burn pits at your specific location are critical evidence.