COPD, PACT Act / Burn Pit

DC 6604Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6604

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by breathing in toxic fumes from burn pits or other hazardous exposures during military service. The PACT Act makes it easier to connect this condition to service. The VA rates it based on lung function tests.

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 6604

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6604. 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 DLCO less than 40 percent predicted, or you have maximum oxygen consumption of less than 15 ml/kg/min, or you have cor pulmonale 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
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension diagnosis
Episodes of acute respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not enrolling in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry — this creates an official record of your exposure and strengthens your PACT Act claim.
⚠Not connecting your COPD to specific deployment locations and dates where burn pits were used — the VA needs evidence of where and when you were exposed.
⚠Failing to get PFTs both before and after bronchodilator use — the VA uses the results most favorable to you, but you need both sets documented.
⚠Not submitting buddy statements from fellow service members who can confirm burn pit exposure at your duty station.
⚠Missing the PACT Act presumptive window — if you served in a covered location during covered dates, the VA presumes your respiratory condition is service-connected.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6604

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%
DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted
Outpatient oxygen therapy prescribed
Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension diagnosis
Episodes of acute respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not enrolling in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry — this creates an official record of your exposure and strengthens your PACT Act claim.

⚠Not connecting your COPD to specific deployment locations and dates where burn pits were used — the VA needs evidence of where and when you were exposed.

⚠Failing to get PFTs both before and after bronchodilator use — the VA uses the results most favorable to you, but you need both sets documented.

⚠Not submitting buddy statements from fellow service members who can confirm burn pit exposure at your duty station.

⚠Missing the PACT Act presumptive window — if you served in a covered location during covered dates, the VA presumes your respiratory condition is service-connected.