Asthma
Asthma is rated under DC 6602 based on pulmonary function tests (FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC), medication requirements, and ER visit frequency. The VA assigns a single rating based on whichever measurement gives the highest evaluation. In the absence of clinical findings at the time of the exam, a verified history of asthmatic attacks must be on record. This is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to burn pits or mustard gas/Lewisite. Important: under the respiratory system, you can only receive one rating for lung conditions. You cannot get separate ratings for asthma and another lung condition like COPD.
VA Rating Levels
FEV-1 of 71-80%, or FEV-1/FVC of 71-80%, or requires occasional use of a bronchodilator (inhaler) taken by mouth or inhaled.
FEV-1 of 56-70%, or FEV-1/FVC of 56-70%, or requires daily use of a bronchodilator, or requires occasional use of inhaled anti-inflammatory medication.
FEV-1 of 40-55%, or FEV-1/FVC of 40-55%, or at least monthly ER visits for asthma attacks, or requires oral or injected steroids/immunosuppressive medications three or more times per year.
FEV-1 less than 40%, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or two or more episodes per week resulting in respiratory failure requiring ER visits, or requires daily high-dose oral or injected steroids/immunosuppressive medications.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →The VA rates asthma based on whichever test result or medication requirement gives you the highest rating. Make sure all of your pulmonary function tests, medication lists, and ER visit records are in your file.
- →If you use a daily inhaler (bronchodilator), that alone supports at least a 30% rating. Keep records of all prescriptions and refills.
- →You cannot receive separate ratings for asthma and another lung condition like COPD or emphysema. The VA assigns one respiratory rating based on the dominant condition.
- →This is a burn pit presumptive condition. If you served in areas with burn pit exposure, that connection is recognized automatically.
- →Pulmonary function test results taken after using medication (post-bronchodilator) are generally used for rating purposes for asthma, unless the medication made your results worse.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.97, DC 6602