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View Full Enhanced Guide →38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.97
Asthma Bronchial
dc-6602-asthma-bronchial
Respiratory
Diagnostic code
6602
Why your DC matters: DC 6602 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 6602 — Asthma, Bronchial — covers reactive airway disease and chronic asthma, listed under 38 CFR § 4.97.
Asthma can be rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100% based on FEV-1 values, frequency of exacerbations requiring ER visits or inpatient care, and daily medication requirements.
For a comprehensive guide with visual compensation breakdowns, secondary conditions, evidence strategies, and claim timelines, visit the detailed guide page for this condition.
Exact rating criteria: 10% for FEV-1 of 71-80% predicted or intermittent inhalational bronchodilator therapy, 30% for FEV-1 of 56-70% predicted or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy or inhalational anti-inflammatory medication, 60% for FEV-1 of 40-55% predicted or at least monthly visits to physician for required care, 100% for FEV-1 less than 40% predicted or more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 6602 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 6602 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 6602 asthma is FEV-1 / FEV-1-FVC math at every tier — but the schedule explicitly offers ALTERNATE paths via medication tier and exacerbation frequency. The hand-coded flagship at /conditions/respiratory/asthma covers the full strategy; this catalog entry surfaces on the DC code page with the schema-tier essentials. The single highest-leverage point: many veterans have spirometry suggesting 30% (FEV-1 56-70% predicted) but use daily inhaled steroids OR get monthly exacerbation visits — both of which jump the rating to 60% under the alternate paths. ALWAYS file under the highest-paying criterion.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | FEV-1 < 40% predicted, OR FEV-1/FVC < 40%, OR > 1 attack/week with episodes of respiratory failure, OR daily systemic high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. | Spirometry; hospital records of respiratory failure; pharmacy records showing daily oral prednisone or IS therapy. |
| 60% | FEV-1 40-55% predicted, OR FEV-1/FVC 40-55%, OR at least monthly physician visits for exacerbations, OR ≥ 3 systemic corticosteroid courses/year. | Spirometry; monthly visit log; pharmacy records showing 3+ prednisone bursts/year. |
| 30% | FEV-1 56-70% predicted, OR FEV-1/FVC 56-70%, OR daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, OR inhalational anti-inflammatory medication. | Spirometry; daily ICS Rx (Flovent, Pulmicort, Symbicort, Advair); daily LABA/SABA use. |
| 10% | FEV-1 71-80% predicted, OR FEV-1/FVC 71-80%, OR intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy. | Mild spirometry abnormality; intermittent rescue inhaler use. |
What Qualifies Under DC 6602?
Confirmed bronchial asthma diagnosis
Spirometry with bronchodilator response, methacholine challenge, or chart-documented physician diagnosis. Distinguishes asthma from COPD (DC 6604) and other obstructive lung disease.
Dual-path tier system
DC 6602 schedule offers multiple qualifying paths at each tier:
- • 10% — FEV-1 71-80%, OR intermittent inhaler use
- • 30% — FEV-1 56-70%, OR daily inhaled bronchodilator OR daily inhaled anti-inflammatory
- • 60% — FEV-1 40-55%, OR monthly physician visits for exacerbations, OR 3+ corticosteroid courses/year
- • 100% — FEV-1 < 40%, OR respiratory failure attacks, OR daily systemic corticosteroids/immunosuppressants
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“At least monthly visits to a physician for required care of exacerbations”
Bridge to 60% even with better spirometry. Monthly visit cadence specifically for asthma exacerbation care. Pull primary care + pulmonology visit logs for the past 12 months.
“Intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic corticosteroids”
Another 60% gate — 3+ prednisone bursts per year. Pharmacy fills show this clearly. Many veterans with steroid-dependent asthma sit at 30% because no one counted the bursts.
“Daily inhalational anti-inflammatory medication”
30% gate — daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use alone qualifies, regardless of spirometry. Flovent, Pulmicort, Asmanex, Symbicort (ICS/LABA), Advair (ICS/LABA), Trelegy (ICS/LABA/LAMA) all count.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Spirometry / pulmonary function test
CRITICALFEV-1 percent predicted + FEV-1/FVC ratio. Recent test ideally within 6 months. Drives the spirometric tier path.
Medication regimen documentation
CRITICALPharmacy records showing ICS (Flovent, Pulmicort), ICS/LABA (Symbicort, Advair), oral prednisone bursts. Drives the medication-tier alternate paths.
Physician visit log for exacerbations (12 months)
CRITICALCounts visits specifically for asthma exacerbation care. Monthly visits anchor 60% alternate path.
Hospital / ER records (if applicable)
IMPORTANTER visits + hospital admissions for asthma supports severity narrative; respiratory failure episodes anchor 100%.
Triggers and occupational exposure documentation
SUPPORTINGBurn pit exposure, in-service environmental triggers — supports presumptive SC pathways (PACT Act).
C&P Exam Tips
Bring most recent PFT printed
Spirometry values are the spine of the rating. Don't let the examiner work from outdated tests.
Bring pharmacy records showing daily ICS use
Daily inhaled corticosteroid = 30% regardless of spirometry. Drives the alternate path.
Count prednisone bursts in the past 12 months
3+ bursts/year = 60%. Many veterans have steroid-dependent asthma but sit at 30% because no one counted.
Don't accept 10% when on daily ICS
Daily inhaled steroids jump the rating to 30% minimum via the alternate path. File supplemental if rated lower while on daily ICS.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Rating purely on spirometry, ignoring medication tier alternates
Each tier has an FEV-1 path AND a medication-tier alternate path. ALWAYS file under whichever yields the higher rating.
Not counting prednisone bursts toward 60%
3+ systemic corticosteroid courses per year = 60% alternate path. Pull pharmacy records for the count.
Settling for 30% when on monthly exacerbation visits
Monthly physician visits for asthma exacerbations = 60% alternate path. Pull visit logs.
Missing the PACT Act burn pit presumption
Post-9/11 veterans with documented burn pit exposure have presumptive SC for asthma under PACT Act. File the presumption.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Always run BOTH spirometry path AND medication-tier path — file under higher
Every tier of DC 6602 has dual qualifiers (FEV-1 OR medication regimen OR exacerbation frequency). Compute both paths and file under whichever yields the higher rating. Many veterans with 30% spirometry actually qualify for 60% via medication tier.
⚡ Count prednisone bursts for the 60% alternate path
3+ systemic corticosteroid courses per year = 60% — independent of spirometry. Pharmacy records show this clearly. Pull the 12-month fill history.
⚡ PACT Act burn pit presumption for post-9/11 veterans
Veterans with qualifying post-9/11 service have presumptive SC for asthma under PACT Act. No nexus letter required — file the presumption.
⚡ Reference the flagship guide
The hand-coded asthma guide at /conditions/respiratory/asthma covers detailed FEV-1 math, prednisone burst counting, and per-veteran scenarios. Use as master reference.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Allergic rhinitis
STRONGDC 6522
Atopic march — allergic rhinitis + asthma is the textbook comorbidity. Rate separately under DC 6522.
Sinusitis (chronic)
MODERATEDC 6510
Chronic upper airway disease often coexists with asthma. Separate rating.
GERD (asthma exacerbator)
MODERATEDC 7346
GERD frequently worsens asthma control; bidirectional relationship. Rate separately if SC.
Sleep apnea
MODERATEDC 6847
Severe asthma + obesity (often related to corticosteroid use) is a recognized OSA pathway.
PACT Act presumptive conditions
SITUATIONALPost-9/11 burn pit exposure veterans get presumptive SC for asthma; other respiratory conditions also presumptive.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Mild — intermittent inhaler use only.
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Daily ICS use (e.g., Flovent, Pulmicort, Symbicort) — regardless of spirometry.
60% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,435.02
TOTAL
$1,435.02/mo
3+ prednisone bursts/year OR monthly exacerbation visits — even with better spirometry.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Daily systemic corticosteroids OR respiratory failure attacks.
60% asthma + 30% allergic rhinitis
Base rating
$1,808.45
TOTAL
$1,808.45/mo
Atopic march comorbidity — DC 6602 + DC 6522 stack cleanly.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
💨What's the difference between FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC?
FEV-1 = forced expiratory volume in 1 second (percentage of predicted). FEV-1/FVC = ratio of FEV-1 to forced vital capacity. Both are spirometric measurements; the schedule offers either as a qualifier at each tier.
💊What counts as 'systemic high-dose corticosteroid'?
Daily oral prednisone (typically ≥ 20mg) or IV corticosteroids. Inhaled steroids do NOT count as 'systemic' — those qualify only at the 30% tier under 'inhalational anti-inflammatory.'
📅What's a 'corticosteroid course' for the 60% gate?
A systemic (oral or IV) steroid burst — typically 5-7 day prednisone tapers for acute exacerbations. 3+ such bursts per 12-month period = 60% alternate path.
🪖PACT Act presumption — does it apply to asthma?
Yes. Post-9/11 veterans with qualifying service in burn pit exposure locations have presumptive SC for asthma. No nexus letter required.
How to File Your Claim
Pull recent spirometry / PFT
Within 6 months ideally. FEV-1 percent predicted + FEV-1/FVC ratio.
Document medication regimen
Daily ICS, ICS/LABA, prednisone bursts. Pharmacy fills are gold standard.
Count exacerbation visits + prednisone bursts (12 months)
Monthly visits OR 3+ bursts = 60% alternate path independent of spirometry.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'asthma (DC 6602)'
Reference both spirometry AND medication-tier alternates. Cite the highest-rating path.
Stack respiratory secondaries + PACT Act presumption
Allergic rhinitis (6522), sinusitis (6510), OSA (6847), GERD (7346). PACT Act burn pit presumption if post-9/11.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Dual-path tiers — always file under highest
Spirometry path AND medication-tier alternates. Don't rate purely on FEV-1 if medication tier yields higher.
Daily ICS = 30% minimum
Daily inhaled corticosteroid use qualifies for 30% under the alternate path regardless of spirometry.
3+ prednisone bursts/year = 60%
Count bursts from pharmacy records. Many veterans miss this gate.
PACT Act burn pit presumption
Post-9/11 veterans with qualifying service get presumptive SC for asthma.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get 60% asthma if my FEV-1 is only 65% predicted?
Yes — DC 6602 has alternate paths to 60% independent of spirometry: monthly physician visits for exacerbations OR 3+ systemic corticosteroid courses per year. File under whichever criterion yields the higher rating.
Does daily inhaled steroid use automatically rate 30%?
Yes — daily inhaled corticosteroid OR daily inhaled bronchodilator OR daily oral bronchodilator each qualifies for 30% under DC 6602 regardless of spirometry.
What counts as 'systemic corticosteroid' for the 100% tier?
Daily oral prednisone (typically ≥ 20mg) or IV corticosteroids. Inhaled steroids don't count as 'systemic' for the 100% prong — those count at the 30% tier.
Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?
Yes — post-9/11 veterans with qualifying service in burn pit exposure locations have presumptive SC for asthma under PACT Act. No nexus letter required for presumptive claims.
Official Regulatory Source
Asthma is rated under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6602. Each tier offers dual qualifying paths (spirometry OR medication tier OR exacerbation frequency).
38 CFR § 4.97 — Respiratory System (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 6602. Read the schedule notes for the multiple qualifying paths at each tier.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 6602, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6602 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.