Asthma
Diagnostic Code 6602 • 38 CFR § 4.97
Ratings hinge on FEV‑1 and FEV‑1/FVC as % of predicted, plus systemic corticosteroid requirements and near-fatal episodes. Bring PFT printouts and prednisone history to every exam.
DC
6602
DC 6602 Ratings at a Glance (2026 $, veteran alone)
FEV‑1 <25% predicted, ratio thresholds, or near-fatal asthma
$3,938.58/mo
FEV‑1 26–43% predicted (or ratio band) / daily systemic steroids
$1,435.02/mo
FEV‑1 43–56% / intermittent systemic steroids
$552.47/mo
FEV‑1 57–70%
$356.66/mo
FEV‑1 71–80%
$180.42/mo
PFTs >80% with minimal symptoms
$0
VA uses the more favorable of FEV‑1 or FEV‑1/FVC when both are of record—confirm your decision cites the controlling test.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Three Compensation Scenarios
30% asthma + 50% PTSD + 10% tinnitus
Combined often approaches 70–80%—illustrative $1,808.45–1,995/mo band depending on exact math.
60% asthma + documented daily prednisone
Daily systemic steroids can satisfy the 60% tier even when PFTs fluctuate—maintain pharmacy logs and pulmonology notes.
10% asthma + service-connected rhinitis/sinusitis stack
Upper and lower airway claims frequently combine—file secondaries when medical evidence supports aggravation.
Rating Breakdown (DC 6602 — summary)
| Rating | Criteria (summary) | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Very low FEV‑1 or FEV‑1/FVC, or ICU/intubation for asthma (near-fatal). | $3,938.58 |
| 60% | FEV‑1 26–43% (or ratio band) / daily systemic corticosteroids required. | $1,435.02 |
| 30% | FEV‑1 43–56% / intermittent systemic steroids. | $552.47 |
| 20% | FEV‑1 57–70% (or ratio band). | $356.66 |
| 10% | FEV‑1 71–80% (or ratio band). | $180.42 |
| 0% | PFTs >80% predicted with minimal symptoms. | $0 |
Verify exact percentage bands and steroid definitions in 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6602.
Evidence Requirements
Spirometry / PFTs
Pre- and post-bronchodilator values; compare to predicted.
Steroid history
Oral prednisone tapers, IM injections—frequency and duration.
ER & urgent care
After-visit summaries for exacerbations support severity.
Allergy / FeNO
Supportive—not a substitute for scheduled PFT criteria.
Occupational impact
Mask/dust restrictions, missed work from attacks.
Common Secondary Conditions
🌬️ Sinusitis
STRONG6510–6514 • Unified airway inflammation
🔥 GERD
STRONG7206 • Reflux may aggravate airway symptoms
😴 Sleep apnea
MODERATE6847 • Bidirectional with asthma
🧠 Anxiety / depression
MODERATE9411 / 9434 • Chronic disease burden
🫁 Chronic bronchitis
MODERATE6600 • Overlapping airway disease
📋 TDIU
CASE§4.16 • If unable to work in suitable jobs
Claim Timeline
Pulmonology records
Diagnosis, action plan, peak flow if used
File claim
List inhalers + steroids with dates
C&P respiratory
Spirometry—ask for copy same day
Decision
Verify more favorable test + steroid tier
Increase
New PFT if better/worse than prior year
Higher Ratings — What Moves the Needle
Systemic steroids
Daily vs intermittent courses map to 60% vs 30%—clarify with pharmacy data.
Worst PFT of record
If prior tests were worse, argue for staged ratings or earlier effective dates with new evidence rules.
Near-fatal documentation
ICU/intubation can support 100%—submit hospital discharge summaries.
Common Mistakes
Single good PFT
Asthma varies—submit worst reliable tests and exacerbation records.
Medication before test
Bronchodilator timing affects results—note protocol complaints if flawed.
No steroid proof
Verbal history without fills—get pharmacy printouts.
Missing secondaries
GERD/sinusitis frequently co-exist—claim with nexus evidence.
FAQs
▸ Home peak flow vs formal PFT?
Scheduled ratings emphasize spirometry; peak flow can support symptoms but may not replace regulatory PFT values.
▸ Burn pits / asthma?
Many veterans link particulate exposure—review PACT/presumptive rules current for your locations and dates with a VSO.
▸ Can I get SMC for asthma?
SMC generally requires separate statutory criteria (e.g., aid and attendance)—not routine with asthma alone.
Cross-Links
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.