DC 6602 — Asthma, bronchial
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
These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Asthma, bronchial → Generalized anxiety disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Breathing difficulties and fear of attacks cause significant anxiety
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 6602 (Asthma, bronchial). Provide medical records showing breathing difficulties and fear of attacks cause significant anxiety and request a nexus opinion linking Generalized anxiety disorder to your service-connected condition.
Asthma, bronchial → Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia
How the connection is commonly explained
Asthma medications (corticosteroids) worsen acid reflux, and reflux triggers asthma
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 6602 (Asthma, bronchial). Provide medical records showing asthma medications (corticosteroids) worsen acid reflux, and reflux triggers asthma and request a nexus opinion linking Hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia to your service-connected condition.
Asthma, bronchial → Sleep Apnea Syndromes
How the connection is commonly explained
Airway inflammation and respiratory distress overlap with sleep apnea
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 6602 (Asthma, bronchial). Provide medical records showing airway inflammation and respiratory distress overlap with sleep apnea and request a nexus opinion linking Sleep Apnea Syndromes to your service-connected condition.
Asthma, bronchial → Major depressive disorder
How the connection is commonly explained
Chronic respiratory limitations and activity restrictions lead to depression
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 6602 (Asthma, bronchial). Provide medical records showing chronic respiratory limitations and activity restrictions lead to depression and request a nexus opinion linking Major depressive disorder to your service-connected condition.
Asthma, bronchial → Sinusitis, pansinusitis, chronic
How the connection is commonly explained
Chronic inflammation affects entire respiratory tract
Filing tip
File as a secondary claim to DC 6602 (Asthma, bronchial). Provide medical records showing chronic inflammation affects entire respiratory tract and request a nexus opinion linking Sinusitis, pansinusitis, chronic to your service-connected condition.
This condition may also be secondary to
United 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
How to File a Secondary Claim
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.