Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is rated under DC 6600 using the general respiratory rating schedule based on pulmonary function tests. This condition involves ongoing swelling of the bronchi in the lungs. It is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to burn pits or mustard gas/Lewisite.
VA Rating Levels
FEV-1 of 71-80%, or FEV-1/FVC of 71-80%, or DLCO (SB) of 66-80%.
FEV-1 of 56-70%, or FEV-1/FVC of 56-70%, or DLCO (SB) of 56-65%.
FEV-1 of 40-55%, or FEV-1/FVC of 40-55%, or DLCO (SB) of 40-55%, or maximum exercise testing of 15-20 ml/kg/min.
FEV-1 less than 40%, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or DLCO (SB) less than 40%, or maximum exercise testing less than 15 ml/kg/min, or cor pulmonale, or pulmonary hypertension, or requires home oxygen therapy, or episodes of respiratory failure.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Chronic bronchitis uses the same general PFT schedule as COPD and emphysema. Only one respiratory evaluation is allowed for all of these conditions combined.
- →The post-bronchodilator PFT results are used for rating unless the medication made your results worse. Let your examiner know if you feel worse after medication.
- →This is a burn pit presumptive condition. If you deployed to areas with burn pit exposure, document that in your claim to simplify service connection.
- →If your bronchitis leads to broader COPD, make sure your records reflect the progression. The rating criteria are the same, but having the full clinical picture documented supports your case.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.97, DC 6600