Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DC 6604Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6604

A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it hard to breathe, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The VA rates COPD based on lung function tests (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, or DLCO) measuring how well your lungs work.

Rating Levels

Your lung function tests show FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted, or maximum oxygen consumption less than 15 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit), or cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or right ventricular hypertrophy, or pulmonary hypertension, or you need outpatient oxygen therapy.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40%
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Maximum oxygen consumption less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
Pulmonary hypertension on echocardiogram
Episodes of acute respiratory failure
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescription

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a complete pulmonary function test including DLCO — if FEV-1 does not qualify you for a higher rating, DLCO may. The VA must use whichever test result gives you the higher rating.
⚠Not connecting COPD to in-service exposures such as burn pits (PACT Act), asbestos, or chemical exposure — document your specific exposures.
⚠Failing to report supplemental oxygen use — outpatient oxygen therapy automatically qualifies for 100%. Bring your oxygen prescription.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by COPD such as pulmonary hypertension, depression from activity limitation, or sleep disturbance.

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…

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40%
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Maximum oxygen consumption less than 15 ml/kg/min
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
Pulmonary hypertension on echocardiogram
Episodes of acute respiratory failure
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescription

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a complete pulmonary function test including DLCO — if FEV-1 does not qualify you for a higher rating, DLCO may. The VA must use whichever test result gives you the higher rating.

⚠Not connecting COPD to in-service exposures such as burn pits (PACT Act), asbestos, or chemical exposure — document your specific exposures.

⚠Failing to report supplemental oxygen use — outpatient oxygen therapy automatically qualifies for 100%. Bring your oxygen prescription.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by COPD such as pulmonary hypertension, depression from activity limitation, or sleep disturbance.