Asthma, bronchial (DC 6602) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 6602 |
|---|---|
| Category | The Respiratory System |
| Subcategory | Trachea and Bronchi |
| Also Known As | Asthma, bronchial, inhaler, wheezing, breathing problems, shortness of breath, bronchospasm, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, burn pit, burn pit exposure, camp lejeune, contaminated water |
| CFR Section | 38 CFR § 4.97 |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
Asthma is most commonly rated at 30% (FEV-1 of 56-70%, or FEV-1/FVC of 56-70%, or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy). The 60% rating requires more severe PFT results or at least monthly systemic steroid use.
Next Steps for This Condition
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or; more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or; requires daily use of systemic (oral or parenteral) high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or; at least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations, or; intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or; daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or; inhalational anti-inflammatory medication |
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, or; FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or; intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy |
Conditions Secondary to This
5 linksBreathing difficulties and fear of attacks cause significant anxiety
Asthma medications (corticosteroids) worsen acid reflux, and reflux triggers asthma
Airway inflammation and respiratory distress overlap with sleep apnea
Chronic respiratory limitations and activity restrictions lead to depression
Chronic inflammation affects entire respiratory tract
This May Be Secondary To
4 linksUnited airway theory — rhinitis and asthma share inflammatory pathways
Chronic acid reflux can cause or worsen asthma through microaspiration of stomach acid into the airways.
Acid reflux can trigger or worsen asthma and other respiratory symptoms.
Upper airway inflammation worsens lower airway conditions
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.