Chronic Bronchitis

DC 6600Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6600

Ongoing inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing persistent cough with mucus production. Part of the COPD spectrum. The VA rates chronic bronchitis based on lung function tests (FEV-1).

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 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

Your lung function tests show FEV-1 of less than 40 percent predicted, or DLCO (SB) of less than 40 percent predicted, or your maximum exercise capacity is less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiac or respiratory limitation, or you have cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you require outpatient oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
DLCO less than 40% predicted
Maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting PFTs both pre- and post-bronchodilator — the VA uses post-bronchodilator results unless they are worse than pre-bronchodilator, so you need both.
⚠The VA may attribute chronic bronchitis to smoking — establish in-service onset or exposure nexus with military records documenting symptoms during service.
⚠Not documenting DLCO (diffusion capacity) which can yield higher ratings — request DLCO testing specifically as many facilities skip it during routine PFTs.
⚠Not connecting to burn pit or toxic exposure under the PACT Act — if you served in a covered location, chronic bronchitis may qualify for presumptive service connection.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (Other Than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Chronic Bronchitis or rated under the same body system.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory

Bronchial Asthma

DC 6602·Respiratory

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DC 6604·Respiratory

Allergic Rhinitis

DC 6522·Respiratory

Chronic Sinusitis

DC 6510·Respiratory

Pulmonary Embolism (Residuals)

DC 6817·Respiratory

Sarcoidosis

DC 6846·Respiratory

Bronchiectasis

DC 6601·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 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
Maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right heart failure documented
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting PFTs both pre- and post-bronchodilator — the VA uses post-bronchodilator results unless they are worse than pre-bronchodilator, so you need both.

⚠The VA may attribute chronic bronchitis to smoking — establish in-service onset or exposure nexus with military records documenting symptoms during service.

⚠Not documenting DLCO (diffusion capacity) which can yield higher ratings — request DLCO testing specifically as many facilities skip it during routine PFTs.

⚠Not connecting to burn pit or toxic exposure under the PACT Act — if you served in a covered location, chronic bronchitis may qualify for presumptive service connection.