COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD is rated under DC 6604 using the general respiratory rating schedule, which is based on pulmonary function tests (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO). The rater selects whichever PFT reading best represents the veteran's disability as noted by the examiner, which may not always be the highest rating. This is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to burn pits or mustard gas/Lewisite. Only one respiratory condition rating is allowed (except for nose, sinus, and throat conditions).
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 right ventricular hypertrophy, or pulmonary hypertension, or requires home oxygen therapy, or episodes of respiratory failure.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →The examiner marks which PFT result best represents your condition, and the rater uses that one. It may not always be the test result that gives the highest rating, so make sure your examiner understands the full picture of your breathing limitations.
- →You cannot receive separate ratings for COPD and another lung condition like asthma or emphysema. However, you can get separate ratings for sinus or throat conditions.
- →If you require home oxygen therapy, that automatically qualifies for a 100% rating regardless of PFT results.
- →This is a burn pit presumptive condition. Keep records of your deployment locations and any exposure to burn pits, as this can simplify the service-connection process.
- →If both your FEV-1 and FVC results are above 100% (better than normal), then the FEV-1/FVC ratio cannot be rated higher than 0%.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.97, DC 6604