Reactive Airway Disease

DC 6602Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602

A condition where your airways overreact to irritants, causing wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Often linked to in-service chemical or environmental exposures. The VA rates reactive airway disease based on lung function tests and medication requirements, 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

Your lung function tests show 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 episodes of respiratory failure, or you require daily use of systemic high dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications.

What the VA looks for

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC ratio less than 40%
More than one attack per week with respiratory failure
Daily systemic high-dose corticosteroids
Daily immunosuppressive medications
Hospitalizations for respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not linking reactive airway disease to specific in-service exposures — document burn pit, chemical, or toxic substance exposure with dates, locations, and duration.
⚠Failing to get methacholine challenge testing — standard PFTs may appear normal at rest. A methacholine or bronchoprovocation test can objectively demonstrate airway hyperreactivity.
⚠Not distinguishing reactive airway disease from pre-existing asthma — if you had no respiratory issues before service, emphasize the onset of symptoms during or after service exposure.
⚠Not documenting medication use and frequency — the difference between intermittent and daily bronchodilator use is the difference between 10% and 30%.

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…

Reactive Airway Disease

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 ratio less than 40%
More than one attack per week with respiratory failure
Daily systemic high-dose corticosteroids
Daily immunosuppressive medications
Hospitalizations for respiratory failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not linking reactive airway disease to specific in-service exposures — document burn pit, chemical, or toxic substance exposure with dates, locations, and duration.

⚠Failing to get methacholine challenge testing — standard PFTs may appear normal at rest. A methacholine or bronchoprovocation test can objectively demonstrate airway hyperreactivity.

⚠Not distinguishing reactive airway disease from pre-existing asthma — if you had no respiratory issues before service, emphasize the onset of symptoms during or after service exposure.

⚠Not documenting medication use and frequency — the difference between intermittent and daily bronchodilator use is the difference between 10% and 30%.