Asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions affecting modern-era veterans especially those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Southwest Asia locations.
If your breathing problems began during service or worsened after deployment, you may qualify for an asthma VA disability rating ranging from 10% to 100%.
Here’s the most important update: under the PACT Act, asthma is now a presumptive condition for many veterans, meaning you may no longer have to prove exactly how your service caused it.
“The PACT Act fundamentally changed asthma claims many veterans who were previously denied now qualify automatically,” said by Brian Reese, VA disability expert.
This guide explains how the VA rates asthma, who qualifies under presumptive rules, and how to maximize your rating and compensation.
Causes of Asthma in Veterans
Asthma in veterans is frequently linked to environmental and occupational exposures during military service.
Common Military-Related Causes
- Burn pit smoke and toxic airborne particles
- Dust storms and poor air quality during deployments
- Fuel exhaust and industrial chemicals
- Smoke from weapons systems and heavy equipment
- Prolonged physical stress that worsens airway inflammation
According to findings presented at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting, deployed veterans showed a 55% higher risk of developing asthma compared to non-deployed peers.
“Deployment exposures don’t just trigger asthma they can permanently change lung function,” explains Reese.
How the VA Rates Asthma?
The VA rates asthma under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6602, found in 38 CFR § 4.97 (Respiratory System).
What the VA Looks At?
- Frequency of asthma attacks
- Need for physician visits or emergency care
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results
- Medication requirements (inhalers, steroids, oxygen)
VA ratings for asthma are 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%.
Understanding Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests measure how well your lungs move air.
Key Measurements Used by VA
FEV-1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second)
- Measures how much air you can exhale in one second
- Lower percentages = more severe airway obstruction
FEV-1/FVC Ratio
- Compares airflow to total lung capacity
- Used when FEV-1 alone does not reflect severity
“VA raters rely heavily on PFT numbers, but medication use can be just as important,” said by Reese.
Asthma as a Presumptive Condition Under the PACT Act
Who Qualifies for Presumptive Service Connection?
Under the PACT Act, asthma is presumptive if:
- Diagnosed after military service, and
- You served in Southwest Asia, the Persian Gulf, or other designated locations, and
- Service occurred during qualifying time periods
When presumptive rules apply, you do not need to prove an in-service event or nexus only a current diagnosis and qualifying service.
“Presumptive status removes the hardest part of a VA claim the causation fight,” explains Reese.
Asthma VA Rating Chart (DC 6602)
| VA Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | FEV-1 < 40% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC < 40%, or more than one attack per week with respiratory failure, or daily high-dose systemic corticosteroids/immunosuppressants |
| 60% | FEV-1 40–55%, or FEV-1/FVC 40–55%, or monthly physician visits for exacerbations, or ≥3 systemic steroid courses per year |
| 30% | FEV-1 56–70%, or FEV-1/FVC 56–70%, or daily inhalational bronchodilator or anti-inflammatory medication |
| 10% | FEV-1 71–80%, or FEV-1/FVC 71–80%, or intermittent inhaler use |
Important Note: Even if symptoms aren’t present during the exam, a verified history of asthmatic attacks still qualifies.
Asthma VA Rating Criteria Explained
100% VA Rating
- Severe lung impairment
- Frequent respiratory failure
- Daily oral or injected steroids
60% VA Rating
- Moderate-to-severe lung restriction
- Monthly flare-ups requiring treatment
- Multiple steroid courses per year
30% VA Rating
- Daily inhaler use
- Moderate breathing limitation
10% VA Rating
- Occasional inhaler use
- Mild airflow restriction
Proving Service Connection for Asthma
Three Required Elements (Non-Presumptive Claims)
- Current asthma diagnosis
- In-service event, exposure, or aggravation
- Medical nexus linking service to asthma
Presumptive Claims (PACT Act)
- Diagnosis + qualifying service = automatic service connection
“PACT Act claims skip the nexus fight entirely,” said by Reese.
What to Expect at a VA C&P Exam for Asthma?
During a Compensation & Pension exam, the examiner will:
- Confirm your asthma diagnosis
- Review exposure history (burn pits, toxins)
- Evaluate severity using PFTs and medication history
Bring:
- Medication lists
- Inhalers or nebulizers
- Records of flare-ups and ER visits
How to Appeal a Denied Asthma Claim?
If denied, veterans may choose:
Supplemental Claim
- Submit new and relevant evidence
Higher-Level Review
- No new evidence; senior rater re-examines errors
Board Appeal
- Veterans Law Judge review with or without hearing
“Most asthma denials fail because evidence wasn’t framed correctly,” explains Reese.
VA Secondary Conditions to Asthma
Asthma often causes or aggravates other disabilities.
Common Secondary Conditions
- GERD
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Hypertension
- Anxiety and Depression
- Vocal Cord Dysfunction
- Diabetes Mellitus
Secondary ratings can significantly increase combined compensation.
Can You Get TDIU for Asthma?
Yes. If asthma prevents substantially gainful employment, veterans may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate.
Basic TDIU Requirements
- One disability at 60%, or
- Combined 70% with one condition at 40%
“TDIU is often overlooked in severe asthma cases but it can be life-changing,” said by Reese.
Final Thought
Asthma can limit your breathing, disrupt sleep, and reduce quality of life but it is also a fully ratable VA disability.
With ratings from 10% to 100%, presumptive coverage under the PACT Act, and multiple secondary condition pathways, veterans with asthma have strong opportunities to secure the compensation they deserve.
Understanding the rating criteria, preparing for exams, and filing strategically can make the difference between a denial and lifelong benefits.
FAQs
What VA rating can you get for asthma?
Asthma is rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100% under DC 6602.
Is asthma presumptive under the PACT Act?
Yes, if diagnosed after service and you served in qualifying locations.
What’s the highest VA rating for asthma?
100%, or 100% via TDIU if asthma prevents employment.
How do you prove asthma is service-connected?
Through presumptive eligibility or medical nexus evidence.
What secondary conditions are linked to asthma?
GERD, sleep apnea, chronic bronchitis, hypertension, anxiety, depression, and more.
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