Respiratory conditions are increasingly common among Veterans, particularly due to exposure to environmental hazards such as burn pits, dust, and chemicals during military service. These exposures have contributed to a rise in conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and sleep apnea. In this guide, we will explore the VA respiratory ratings, the conditions that are ratable, how to prove service connection, and the impact of the PACT Act on respiratory claims.
Top Respiratory Conditions Among Veterans
According to a recent VBA report, the most common respiratory conditions among Veterans are:
- Allergic Rhinitis: 30.4% of respiratory claims
- Sleep Apnea: 29.5% of respiratory claims
- Maxillary Sinusitis: 10.3% of respiratory claims
These conditions, often linked to military service, have a significant impact on Veterans’ quality of life, and understanding how they are rated by the VA is essential for maximizing benefits.
How VA Respiratory Ratings Are Determined?
The VA evaluates most respiratory conditions on a scale of 0% to 100%, depending on how severe the symptoms are and how much they restrict your ability to breathe. The Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a primary tool in this assessment. PFTs measure how well your lungs can move air in and out, and they are a significant factor in determining your disability rating.
Key factors influencing your respiratory rating include:
- PFT results, such as the FEV-1 (forced expiratory volume) and FEV-1/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratios
- Frequency of inhaler use, corticosteroids, or oxygen therapy
- Objective findings or treatment requirements based on your condition’s diagnostic code
Dr. Mark Ellis, a VA claims expert, explains: “Pulmonary function tests are essential for assessing the severity of a Veteran’s respiratory condition. If PFTs are outdated or incomplete, the VA may not have an accurate picture of the condition’s impact.”
Pulmonary Function Tests: Why They Matter?
PFTs are crucial in determining your VA respiratory rating. These tests measure several key aspects of lung function:
- Spirometry: Measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly.
- Lung Volumes: Determines the total amount of air your lungs can hold.
- DLCO (Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide): Assesses how well oxygen moves from your lungs into your bloodstream.
If your PFT results show reduced airflow or impaired oxygen exchange, it will help confirm your diagnosis and determine your disability rating. Even if your PFT results appear normal, the VA may still rate you based on the need for medication or oxygen therapy.
Pro Tip: If your PFT results are missing or outdated, it’s advisable to ask your doctor for a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to strengthen your claim.
VA-Ratable Respiratory Conditions
The VA categorizes respiratory conditions into upper, lower, and pleural/thoracic conditions. Each category has a specific diagnostic code (DC) that determines your rating.
Upper Respiratory Conditions
These affect the nose, sinuses, and throat. Common conditions include:
| Condition | Diagnostic Code (DC) |
|---|---|
| Traumatic Deviation of Nasal Septum | 6502 |
| Sinusitis (Maxillary, Frontal, Ethmoid) | 6510-6514 |
| Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed) | 6847 |
| Allergic or Vasomotor Rhinitis | 6522 |
Lower Respiratory and Pulmonary Conditions
These conditions affect the lungs and airways. Some examples are:
| Condition | Diagnostic Code (DC) |
|---|---|
| Asthma, Bronchial | 6602 |
| COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) | 6604 |
| Emphysema | 6603 |
| Pneumoconiosis (Asbestosis, Silicosis) | 6832-6834 |
| Pulmonary Fibrosis | 6825-6833 |
Pleural and Thoracic Conditions
Conditions affecting the lining of the lungs or chest wall. Examples include:
| Condition | Diagnostic Code (DC) |
|---|---|
| Pneumothorax or Hemothorax (Residuals) | 6843 |
| Post-Surgical Residuals (Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy) | 6844 |
| Diaphragmatic Paralysis or Weakness | 6840-6841 |
Proving Service Connection for Respiratory Conditions
To establish a service connection for respiratory conditions, you need to demonstrate one of the following:
- Direct Service Connection: You must show that your condition began during your military service or was caused by an event that occurred during your service.
Required Evidence: A current diagnosis, an in-service event or injury, and a medical link between the two. - Secondary Service Connection: If your respiratory condition developed or worsened due to another service-connected disability, you can claim secondary service connection.
Required Evidence: A current diagnosis and a medical nexus connecting the condition to another service-connected disability.
As Veterans’ advocate Sarah Johnson puts it, “A well-written nexus letter from your physician can be invaluable in showing that your condition is related to your military service or another service-connected disability.”
The PACT Act and the Surge in VA Respiratory Disabilities
The PACT Act has played a significant role in the rise of respiratory disabilities among Veterans. This landmark legislation recognizes burn pit and airborne hazard exposure as causes of certain respiratory conditions, making them presumptive conditions for Veterans who were exposed during their service.
As a result, new respiratory disability claims jumped significantly, from 65,031 in 2020 to 159,192 in 2024 a 34% increase from the previous year.
The PACT Act has been instrumental in supporting Veterans who have developed respiratory conditions due to their military service, including conditions like asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea.
Filing a VA Claim for Respiratory Conditions
To begin your claim for a respiratory disability, you’ll need to file a VA claim using VA Form 21-526EZ. You can file online, by mail, fax, or in person at a VA regional office.
Pro Tip: Filing online is often the fastest and most efficient way to submit your claim.
FAQs
How does the VA rate respiratory conditions?
The VA rates respiratory conditions based on Pulmonary Function Test results, medication use, and oxygen therapy needs. Your disability rating is determined by these factors and the assigned diagnostic code.
What is the respiratory disability rating scale?
The scale ranges from 0% to 100%, with ratings depending on your diagnosis, PFT results, and overall treatment needs.
Can I get a VA rating for shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is not rated as a standalone condition but can be considered under the diagnostic code for the underlying respiratory disorder.
Can respiratory conditions be rated secondary to other disabilities?
Yes, conditions like sleep apnea or chronic bronchitis can be rated secondary to another service-connected disability if they were caused or aggravated by it.
Can I get TDIU for a respiratory condition?
If your respiratory condition prevents you from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This allows you to receive 100% disability compensation.+
