Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome)

DC 6600Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6600

A rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), especially in the lungs. It typically starts with severe asthma and leads to high eosinophil counts and multi-organ inflammation. The VA rates this condition based on lung function tests and may also assign separate ratings for other affected organs.

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

30% – 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 eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis with FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted, or you require daily systemic high-dose steroids or immunosuppressive therapy, or you have cor pulmonale or respiratory failure.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
Daily systemic high-dose steroids or immunosuppressives
Cor pulmonale or respiratory failure
Supplemental oxygen required
Multi-organ damage (cardiac, renal, neurological)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming separate ratings for each organ system affected — Churg-Strauss can affect the heart, kidneys, nerves, and skin in addition to the lungs, and each organ may warrant a separate service-connected rating.
⚠Not documenting the medication side effects — long-term immunosuppressive therapy and high-dose steroids cause significant side effects that should be documented.
⚠Not establishing the timeline from asthma onset during service to full disease development — Churg-Strauss often begins as severe asthma years before the full syndrome manifests.
⚠Not getting regular eosinophil counts and ANCA testing — these laboratory markers help document disease activity and response to treatment.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (other than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6600

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
Daily systemic high-dose steroids or immunosuppressives
Cor pulmonale or respiratory failure
Supplemental oxygen required
Multi-organ damage (cardiac, renal, neurological)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming separate ratings for each organ system affected — Churg-Strauss can affect the heart, kidneys, nerves, and skin in addition to the lungs, and each organ may warrant a separate service-connected rating.

⚠Not documenting the medication side effects — long-term immunosuppressive therapy and high-dose steroids cause significant side effects that should be documented.

⚠Not establishing the timeline from asthma onset during service to full disease development — Churg-Strauss often begins as severe asthma years before the full syndrome manifests.

⚠Not getting regular eosinophil counts and ANCA testing — these laboratory markers help document disease activity and response to treatment.