Chronic Cough Syndrome (Chronic Bronchitis)

DC 6600Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6600

A persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks, often caused by chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Common in veterans exposed to burn pits, dust, or chemical irritants during service. The VA rates chronic bronchitis based on the frequency of episodes and the need for medical treatment.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6600

Rating range

0% – 30%

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 56 to 70 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or you require daily bronchodilator or anti-inflammatory therapy for persistent cough and sputum production.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 of 56-70% predicted
FEV-1/FVC ratio of 56-70%
Daily bronchodilator or anti-inflammatory use
Chronic daily productive cough documented
Frequent antibiotic courses for bronchial infections

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the chronicity of cough — a cough diary showing daily symptoms over months is far more persuasive than a single clinic visit note.
⚠Not ruling out other causes — the VA may deny the claim if GERD, post-nasal drip, or medication side effects could explain the cough. Get a pulmonology workup.
⚠Failing to connect chronic cough to in-service exposures — document burn pit registry enrollment, deployment locations, and specific irritant exposures.
⚠Not requesting PFTs — even if your primary symptom is cough rather than shortness of breath, PFT results can support a higher rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (other than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Cough Syndrome (Chronic Bronchitis)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6600

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 of 56-70% predicted
FEV-1/FVC ratio of 56-70%
Daily bronchodilator or anti-inflammatory use
Chronic daily productive cough documented
Frequent antibiotic courses for bronchial infections

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the chronicity of cough — a cough diary showing daily symptoms over months is far more persuasive than a single clinic visit note.

⚠Not ruling out other causes — the VA may deny the claim if GERD, post-nasal drip, or medication side effects could explain the cough. Get a pulmonology workup.

⚠Failing to connect chronic cough to in-service exposures — document burn pit registry enrollment, deployment locations, and specific irritant exposures.

⚠Not requesting PFTs — even if your primary symptom is cough rather than shortness of breath, PFT results can support a higher rating.