Do I need a nexus letter for a Asthma (Bronchial) claim?

Not always. The strongest claims rely on service treatment records, presumptive rules, or a clear C&P opinion. A nexus letter is most useful when the condition was diagnosed after service, when STRs are silent, or when the VA issued a negative C&P opinion. See our nexus letter anatomy at /nexus-letters for the seven sections a strong opinion includes.

What is the C&P exam for Asthma (Bronchial) actually scoring?

The Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for Asthma (Bronchial) is the structured form the examiner completes. This page explains the sections of the form and the cited rating criteria in plain English. Describe only facts that are true, including how symptoms vary and affect daily activities or work.

Can I file Asthma (Bronchial) as a secondary condition?

Yes, if you can show the condition was caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability. Common secondary patterns are documented at /nexus-letters. The opinion needs to address the specific theory (direct, secondary, or aggravation) and the medical mechanism.

What if my Asthma (Bronchial) claim is denied?

Three appeal lanes open: Higher-Level Review (no new evidence, senior reviewer takes another look), Supplemental Claim (file new evidence, 1-year clock), or Board Appeal (binding decision by a Veterans Law Judge). Pick based on what you have. See /resources/appeals for the full decision tree.

Asthma (Bronchial) DBQ Field Guide

The Asthma (Bronchial) DBQ is driven by objective pulmonary function test (PFT) numbers and medication history. The examiner must record FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC ratio, frequency of exacerbations requiring physician care, and whether systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids are used. Ratings under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6602 are almost entirely determined by these three elements.

PFTs are mandatory

VA requires current PFT results for asthma ratings unless medically contraindicated. The key values are FEV-1 percent predicted and the FEV-1/FVC ratio. Post-bronchodilator results are used when available. Without PFTs the claim is usually deferred or rated at the lowest level supported by medication history alone.

What the examiner is filling out

The Respiratory Conditions DBQ for asthma asks the examiner to record:

Diagnosis — bronchial asthma confirmed by history and PFTs.
PFT results — FEV-1 % predicted and FEV-1/FVC ratio (pre- and post-bronchodilator if performed).
Medications — daily inhalers, oral steroids, biologics, or immuno-suppressants.
Exacerbations — number of attacks per week or month that required a physician visit or ER care.
Respiratory failure — any episodes requiring intubation or ICU-level care.

The DC 6602 schedule

10%FEV-1 71-80% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC 71-80%, or intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy

Mild impairment. Daily rescue inhaler use alone usually lands here.

30%FEV-1 56-70% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC 56-70%, or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy, or inhalational anti-inflammatory medication

Moderate impairment. Daily controller inhalers (steroid or combination) support this level.

60%FEV-1 40-55% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC 40-55%, or at least monthly visits for required care of exacerbations, or intermittent (at least three per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids

Severe impairment. Either PFT numbers or documented monthly exacerbations plus steroid bursts qualify.

100%FEV-1 less than 40% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or more than one attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or requires daily use of systemic high dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive medications

Maximum schedular rating. Daily oral steroids or frequent respiratory failure episodes are the clearest paths.

PFTs take precedence when they support a higher rating than medication history alone. When PFTs are missing or invalid, the rater may rely on medication and exacerbation frequency.

How to read the criteria

Use the criteria to understand the form

The rating schedule describes findings VA may consider. It is not a script. Describe only what is true in your own words, including frequency, duration, treatment, good and bad days, and effects on daily activities or work. Do not select or rehearse a rating tier.

Evidence to bring

Bring the actual PFT report (not just a summary), pharmacy records showing inhaler refills and steroid prescriptions, and any ER or urgent-care notes for exacerbations. A simple log of attacks (date, treatment, whether steroids were given) is highly persuasive when corroborated by treatment records.

Describe the full picture accurately

Accuracy reminder

Describe what is true in your own words, including frequency, duration, treatment, good and bad days, and effects on daily activities or work. Do not exaggerate, omit improvement, rehearse a rating tier, or guess. If something varies or you do not know, say that clearly.

Use this with the rest of the site

▸ Asthma (Bronchial) condition guide — the rating schedule and evidence checklist for that condition.
▸ C&P Exam Prep — a checklist for organizing your history, treatment, and questions before the exam.
▸ Coach preview — free five-question preview; the dashboard organizes C&P prep and a VSO packet.
▸ Full C&P exam guide — how to describe your symptoms accurately.

Get the free Secondary Conditions Checklist by email

Educational content only. VA publishes Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires. Some DBQs are not available for public use. Rating criteria are in 38 CFR Part 4. Not legal or medical advice. Always consult a VA-accredited VSO or attorney for claim-specific guidance. CFR citations: 38 CFR § 4.97 Diagnostic Code 6602 (bronchial asthma), § 4.96 (special provisions for respiratory conditions), M21-1 IV.ii.2.B (respiratory DBQ development)..