Chronic bronchitis
Bronchitis, chronic. Diagnostic Code 6600.
Overview
Chronic bronchitis is ongoing inflammation of the airways that causes a lasting cough and mucus. It is rated with the same lung function levels used for COPD.
How VA rates it
Diagnostic Code 6600 · 38 CFR 4.97
Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.
| Rating | Summary of the criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Very low lung function test results (FEV1 or FEV1/FVC less than 40 percent, among other criteria), certain heart or lung complications, or outpatient oxygen therapy. |
| 60% | Lung function results of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or similar criteria. |
| 30% | Lung function results of 56 to 70 percent predicted, or similar criteria. |
| 10% | Lung function results of 71 to 80 percent predicted, or similar criteria. |
See 38 CFR 4.96 for rules on combining respiratory ratings.
Common secondary connections
These are conditions often discussed in connection with Chronic bronchitis. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.
- Asthma
- Sinusitis
Presumptive notes
VA lists chronic bronchitis as a PACT Act presumptive condition for qualifying service locations. Read the full eligibility rules on VA.gov.
Evidence veterans generally gather
VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:
- Pulmonary function test results
- Treatment records
- Deployment records
- A current diagnosis from a medical provider
- Service treatment records and personnel records
- VA and private treatment records
- Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
- A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available
Official source
Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.97 on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.
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