How the VA Rates COPD & Chronic Bronchitis
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Restrictive/Obstructive Lung Disease (DC 6600–6604) criteria a VA rater evaluates COPD & Chronic Bronchitis against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Restrictive/Obstructive Lung Disease (DC 6600–6604)
COPD & Chronic Bronchitis · 4 levels
- 100%$3,938.58a month
- 60%$1,435.02a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 10%$180.42a month
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Restrictive/Obstructive Lung Disease (DC 6600–6604)
- Diagnostic codes
- 6600, 6601, 6603, 6604
- Levels in the schedule
- 10% · 30% · 60% · 100%
- Top level (100%) pays
- $3,938.58/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Restrictive/Obstructive Lung Disease (DC 6600–6604) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 100%
$3,938.58/month
FEV-1 less than 40% predicted; OR FEV-1/FVC less than 40%; OR DLCO less than 40% predicted; OR maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption; OR cor pulmonale (right heart failure); OR right ventricular hypertrophy; OR pulmonary hypertension; OR episode(s) of acute respiratory failure; OR requires outpatient oxygen therapy.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Very severe airflow obstruction (FEV-1 < 40%)
- Requires home/outpatient oxygen therapy
- Cor pulmonale or pulmonary hypertension
- Episodes of acute respiratory failure
- 60%
$1,435.02/month
FEV-1 of 40–55% predicted; OR FEV-1/FVC of 40–55%; OR DLCO of 40–55% predicted; OR maximum exercise capacity of 15–20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption with cardiorespiratory limitation.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Severe airflow limitation on PFTs
- Dyspnea with minimal exertion
- Reduced exercise tolerance documented on testing
- 30%
$552.47/month
FEV-1 of 56–70% predicted; OR FEV-1/FVC of 56–70%; OR DLCO of 56–65% predicted.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Moderate airflow limitation on spirometry
- Dyspnea with light-to-moderate activity
- Daily inhaler use
- 10%
$180.42/month
FEV-1 of 71–80% predicted; OR FEV-1/FVC of 71–80%; OR Diffusion Capacity (DLCO) of 66–80% predicted.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Mild reduction in lung function on PFTs
- Cough, sputum production, or wheeze
- Shortness of breath with moderate exertion
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
C&P exam tips for COPD & Chronic Bronchitis
- 1What wins this rating: post-bronchodilator pulmonary function tests (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO) — these numbers map directly to the rating tiers. Requiring outpatient oxygen or having cor pulmonale supports 100%.
- 2Make sure spirometry is recent and done at the VA exam if not already on file.
- 3Document oxygen use, hospitalizations, and any right-heart involvement on echocardiogram.
- 4List all inhalers and oral steroids and describe exertional limits.
Common mistakes on COPD & Chronic Bronchitis claims
- Not having current PFTs — without FEV-1/DLCO data the rating defaults to the lowest tier.
- Not documenting outpatient oxygen therapy, which alone supports 100%.
- Confusing this with asthma (DC 6602) — they use different formulas; claim under the correct diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for COPD & Chronic Bronchitis?
COPD & Chronic Bronchitis is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Restrictive/Obstructive Lung Disease (DC 6600–6604) — diagnostic codes 6600, 6601, 6603, 6604.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for COPD & Chronic Bronchitis?
100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for COPD & Chronic Bronchitis. The criteria at that level describe: FEV-1 less than 40% predicted; OR FEV-1/FVC less than 40%; OR DLCO less than 40% predicted; OR maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption; OR cor pulmonale (right heart failure); OR right ventricular hypertrophy; OR pulmonary hypertension; OR episode(s) of acute respiratory failure; OR requires outpatient oxygen therapy.
How much does a 100% VA rating for COPD & Chronic Bronchitis pay in 2026?
$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your COPD & Chronic Bronchitis claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.