Skip to main content

Evidence checklist

Bronchiectasis

DC 660138 CFR § 4.97Respiratory

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
High-resolution CT scan confirming bronchiectasisCritical

HRCT is the definitive imaging modality for bronchiectasis, showing bronchial dilation (airway diameter exceeding its adjacent pulmonary artery), bronchial wall thickening, and distribution of affected airways.

Private provider · independent opinion
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) with pre/post bronchodilatorCritical

Spirometry documenting the degree of airflow obstruction or restriction. FEV-1 percent predicted drives the VA rating for bronchiectasis.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking bronchiectasis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your bronchiectasis to in-service events such as severe or recurrent pneumonia, inhalational chemical exposure, burn pit exposure, or a service-connected lung condition.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Sputum culture results (bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial)

Microbiological results documenting chronic airway infection — Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) colonization is common and reflects disease severity.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Treatment records (airway clearance, antibiotics, inhalers)

Records documenting daily airway clearance techniques (chest physiotherapy, oscillatory PEP devices), inhaled bronchodilators, mucus-thinning agents, and antibiotic courses for exacerbations.

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of exacerbation frequency and hospitalizations

Medical records showing the number and severity of acute exacerbations per year, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations, which reflect overall disease burden.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 1 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Respiratory ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing PFT results, imaging findings, exacerbation frequency, and functional impact of bronchiectasis.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.