Occupational Asthma

DC 6602Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602

Asthma caused or worsened by breathing in chemical fumes, dust, gases, or other substances in the workplace or during military service. Common military exposures include burn pits, JP-8 jet fuel, diesel exhaust, and industrial chemicals. The VA rates occupational asthma using the same criteria as bronchial asthma.

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 6602

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602. 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 occupational asthma with FEV-1 less than 40 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or you have more than one attack per week with respiratory failure, or you need daily systemic high-dose steroids or immunosuppressive medications.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC less than 40%
Weekly attacks with respiratory failure
Daily systemic high-dose steroids
Hospitalizations for respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific occupational or military exposures that caused or worsened your asthma — include details about burn pits, jet fuel, diesel exhaust, chemicals, dust, and other substances you were exposed to during service.
⚠Not getting a methacholine challenge test — this test can demonstrate airway hyperreactivity even when standard PFTs appear normal, which is common in occupational asthma.
⚠Not enrolling in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry if exposure occurred during deployment — registry enrollment supports PACT Act presumptive service connection.
⚠Not tracking all medication changes and emergency visits — the rating depends on the level of treatment required, so maintain complete records of all asthma medications and acute care visits.

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…

Occupational Asthma

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6602

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC less than 40%
Weekly attacks with respiratory failure
Daily systemic high-dose steroids
Hospitalizations for respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific occupational or military exposures that caused or worsened your asthma — include details about burn pits, jet fuel, diesel exhaust, chemicals, dust, and other substances you were exposed to during service.

⚠Not getting a methacholine challenge test — this test can demonstrate airway hyperreactivity even when standard PFTs appear normal, which is common in occupational asthma.

⚠Not enrolling in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry if exposure occurred during deployment — registry enrollment supports PACT Act presumptive service connection.

⚠Not tracking all medication changes and emergency visits — the rating depends on the level of treatment required, so maintain complete records of all asthma medications and acute care visits.