Chronic bronchitis is a long-term respiratory condition that can make daily activities challenging for veterans. Many veterans develop this condition due to exposure to airborne hazards during military service, leading them to seek disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, proving chronic bronchitis to the VA requires proper medical documentation and evidence of service-related exposure. This blog explains the VA rating for bronchitis, considerations for the claims process, and additional criteria that can help veterans secure the support and compensation they deserve.
Understanding Chronic Bronchitis
What Is Chronic Bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to excessive mucus production, frequent coughing, and difficulty breathing as it disrupts airflow in and out of the lungs. Unlike acute bronchitis, which is usually caused by infections and lasts a few weeks, chronic bronchitis is a progressive condition that persists for months or years. Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, and chemicals often worsen the condition.
According to Veterans Affairs, a veteran may be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis if they cough up mucus for at least three months per year over two or more consecutive years. It is one of the two forms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a broader category of lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing difficulties. The other COPD form is emphysema.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease impacts nearly 12.7 million people across the United States, including 1.25 million veterans (25% of the veteran population).
Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis
Veterans suffering from the condition may experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic persistent cough that produces mucus (clear, white, yellowish, or green)
- Shortness of breath that worsens with activity
- Wheezing or crackling sounds while breathing
- Chest tightness, pain, or discomfort
- Frequent respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchial infections)
- Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
- Bluish lips or fingernails (indicating oxygen deprivation in severe cases)
Because these symptoms overlap with other respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and emphysema, proper diagnosis and documentation are critical when filing a VA disability claim. Typically, chronic bronchitis can be diagnosed through pulmonary function tests like spirometry, chest X-rays, or CT scans.
How Chronic Bronchitis Affects Veterans
Veterans suffering may experience progressive lung function decline, making daily activities increasingly difficult. Tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even speaking for long periods can become challenging due to breathlessness.
Additionally, chronic bronchitis often requires ongoing medical treatment, such as inhalers, oxygen therapy, or steroid medications. If left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, respiratory failure, and an increased risk of lung infections.
For veterans seeking VA compensation, it is critical to document these symptoms over time and demonstrate how they limit their ability to work and perform daily activities.
How Military Service Can Cause Chronic Bronchitis
Many veterans are disproportionately exposed to airborne irritants during their service, which can contribute to bronchitis. Some common military-related causes include:
Exposure to Burn Pits
One of the leading causes of chronic bronchitis among veterans is exposure to burn pits, which were used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other deployment locations. The 2024 VA study based on declassified military deployment records and VA health data found that every 100 days of burn pit exposure increased veterans’ risk of asthma by 1%, COPD by 4%, and ischemic stroke by 5%. Burn pits emitted toxic fumes from incinerated materials like:
- Plastics
- Medical waste
- Chemicals
- Asbestos
- Petroleum products
The 2022 PACT Act officially recognizes chronic bronchitis as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to burn pits.
Other Environmental and Chemical Exposures
Besides burn pits, veterans may have been exposed to other hazardous substances, such as:
- Smog and industrial pollutants (common near military bases)
- Diesel exhaust from military vehicles and aircraft
- Asbestos (used in older military equipment and barracks)
- Sulfur dioxide and ammonia (from industrial sites or chemical warfare exposure)
- Oil well fires (from the Gulf War)
- Sandstorms and fine dust particles (Southwest Asia Theater operations)
Repeated exposure to these irritants can lead to long-term inflammation in the lungs, increasing the risk of developing bronchitis.
Chronic Bronchitis and the PACT Act
The PACT Act (Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022) expanded benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and airborne hazards by recognizing chronic bronchitis as a presumptive condition. This presumption eliminates the need for extensive medical evidence to prove a direct service connection, making it easier for eligible veterans to receive disability compensation.
A presumptive condition means that if a veteran meets specific service criteria such as serving in locations where burn pits were commonly used, the VA generally automatically assumes that chronic bronchitis is service-related. This is particularly beneficial for those deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, or other regions where toxic smoke exposure was prevalent.
To qualify under the PACT Act of 2022, veterans must have served in one of the designated locations during specific timeframes:
1. Gulf War Era (On or After August 2, 1990)
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- United Arab Emirates
- The airspace above these locations
2. Post-9/11 War on Terror (On or After September 11, 2001)
- Afghanistan
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Yemen
- Uzbekistan
- The airspace above these locations
If eligible, they can receive VA disability compensation based on the severity of their lung impairment, as measured by pulmonary function tests. The PACT Act removes many hurdles, ensuring that veterans suffering from chronic bronchitis due to military exposures can access the healthcare and financial support they deserve.
How VA Rates Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory condition that can qualify veterans for disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA rates the condition under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6600, which is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities related to the respiratory system. The rating is based primarily on pulmonary function tests (PFTs), which measure lung capacity and airflow obstruction.
VA Disability Rating Criteria
The VA rates chronic bronchitis at 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%, depending on the severity of lung impairment as measured by specific pulmonary function tests:
- Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) – Measures how much air a person can forcibly exhale in one second. Lower percentages indicate greater lung impairment.
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) – Assesses the total amount of air exhaled after a full inhalation, which helps determine restrictive lung diseases.
- FEV1/FVC Ratio – Compares FEV1 to FVC as a percentage, indicating obstructive lung disease severity.
- Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO (SB)) – Evaluates how well the lungs transfer oxygen to the blood.
- Maximum Oxygen Consumption (VO2 Max) – Measures oxygen utilization during exercise, which can indicate cardiorespiratory limitations.
VA Disability Ratings for Chronic Bronchitis
100% Disability Rating:
- FEV1 < 40% predicted value
- FEV1/FVC < 40%
- DLCO (SB) < 40% predicted
- Maximum oxygen consumption < 15 ml/kg/min
- Right heart failure, right ventricular hypertrophy, or pulmonary hypertension
- Acute respiratory failure episodes
- Requires outpatient oxygen therapy
60% Disability Rating:
- FEV1 between 40-55% of predicted value
- FEV1/FVC between 40-55%
- DLCO (SB) between 40-55% predicted
- VO2 max between 15-20 ml/kg/min with cardiorespiratory limitation
30% Disability Rating:
- FEV1 between 56-70% predicted
- FEV1/FVC between 56-70%
- DLCO (SB) between 56-65% predicted
10% Disability Rating:
- FEV1 between 71-80% predicted
- FEV1/FVC between 71-80%
- DLCO (SB) between 66-80% predicted
0% Rating (Noncompensable):
Normal lung function, but diagnosis is confirmed.
How the VA Determines the Rating
The VA bases a veteran’s disability rating on their worst result from the Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs).
If a veteran has multiple lung conditions, the VA does not assign separate ratings for each condition. Instead, it grants the highest applicable rating among them.
Chronic bronchitis VA rating can change if symptoms improve or worsen over time, requiring periodic re-evaluations.
A higher VA rating may be awarded if hospitalization, oxygen therapy, or severe complications occur. Veterans experiencing severe respiratory distress should ensure their medical records reflect their full condition to receive the appropriate rating.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) Benefits
Veterans who cannot work due to chronic bronchitis may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits, which compensate at the 100% disability rate even if the assigned VA rating for bronchitis is lower. To qualify, a veteran must have:
- A single disability rated at 60% or more, or
- Multiple service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or higher, with one disability rated at least 40%.
TDIU applicants must demonstrate that their bronchitis prevents them from maintaining substantially gainful employment due to breathing difficulties, fatigue, or frequent medical interventions.
Establishing a Service Connection for Chronic Bronchitis
To receive VA disability benefits for bronchitis, a veteran must establish a direct or presumptive service connection. This involves proving that military service directly contributed to the condition or that it falls under recognized presumptive conditions.
Direct Service Connection
Veterans who don’t qualify for a presumptive service connection under the PACT Act must prove a direct link between chronic bronchitis and their military service. If a veteran’s claim was filed before the PACT Act’s expansion, they may need to reopen it or submit new evidence.
Additionally, the VA may challenge claims due to missing diagnoses or other health factors like smoking or lung diseases cited as potential causes. In such cases, a nexus letter or independent medical opinion (IMO) can support the claim in some instances and help secure VA benefits.
Establishing a direct service connection requires meeting three fundamental criteria:
A Current Diagnosis –
The veteran must have a documented medical diagnosis of chronic bronchitis from a healthcare provider. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), chest X-rays, and medical history reviews are typically used for diagnosis.
Evidence of In-Service Exposure or Event –
The veteran must demonstrate exposure to harmful airborne irritants during military service that contributed to the condition. Common service-related environmental hazards include:
- Burn pits (common in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other overseas locations)
- Industrial chemicals (such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and other airborne toxins)
- Military occupational hazards (including exposure to diesel fumes, dust, or battlefield smoke)
- Prolonged exposure to smog, pollution, or other environmental hazards
- Inhalation of asbestos fibers (common for Navy veterans or those stationed in older buildings)
A Medical Nexus Linking the Condition to Service –
A medical professional must provide an independent opinion stating that the veteran’s chronic bronchitis is “at least as likely as not” caused by their service. This is typically included in a Nexus Letter, which provides references to the veteran’s in-service toxic exposures and how they led to their current diagnosis. Nexus letters from a medical specialist like a pulmonologist or oncologist specializing in respiratory or lung problems may carry more weight than from a general physician. It is important to note that while often beneficial, nexus letters are never required, a nexus can be a short statement provided at the C&P exam in many cases.
Additional Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim
If you’re a veteran seeking VA disability benefits for chronic bronchitis, additional supporting documentation can often support your claim. For example,
- Service treatment records, including both active duty and post-service medical records, are valuable for documenting respiratory issues, chronic cough, or lung infections, helping you establish symptom onset and continuity even without an in-service diagnosis.
- Military personnel records can confirm that you were exposed to harmful airborne irritants, like burn pits, industrial chemicals, or dust storms.
- Buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed your exposure or onset of symptoms can further support your VA disability claim if exposure isn’t clearly documented.
- A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam conducted by a VA doctor can serve as key evidence for a direct service connection. The C&P examiner assesses your symptoms and provides a medical opinion crucial for determining whether your diagnosis is linked to military service.
- A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by your private doctor can also strengthen your claim by detailing symptoms, severity, and the impact of the condition on your daily life.
Submitting a disability claim with comprehensive documentation often supports your claim and may improves your chances of securing the VA benefits you deserve.
Secondary Service Connection
Chronic bronchitis may result from or be aggravated by other service-connected health conditions, such as:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Acid reflux can cause chronic irritation of the bronchial tubes.
- Asthma – Service-connected asthma can worsen and develop into severe bronchitis.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Airway inflammation from sleep apnea may contribute to bronchitis symptoms.
- Heart Disease – Poor circulation and lung function in heart disease patients may lead to chronic respiratory issues.
Providing an independent nexus opinion clearly stating that the primary service-connected condition has worsened or directly contributed to chronic bronchitis can be helpful for veterans in establishing a secondary service connection.
Appealing a Denied Chronic Bronchitis Claim
If your VA claim for chronic bronchitis is denied or rated too low, you have several appeal options. VA.GOV discusses options available through the appeals modernization act. You can request a Higher-Level Review for a second opinion, submit a Supplemental Claim with new medical evidence, or escalate your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a formal decision.
Many claim denials stem from insufficient medical documentation, failure to submit deployment records, or lack of a detailed nexus. Hence, proving your VA claim with comprehensive evidence can result in a successful disability benefits claim.
Getting support from VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, or Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) can strengthen your appeal. These professionals can help navigate the process, gather necessary evidence, and improve your chances of securing the deserved chronic bronchitis VA rating.
Conclusion
Securing VA disability benefits for chronic bronchitis requires strong medical evidence and a clear link to military service. The PACT Act has simplified the process for many veterans by recognizing exposure-related conditions, but proper documentation remains essential. Whether filing a new claim, establishing a secondary connection, or appealing a denial, persistence and thorough records can make a difference. By understanding the VA’s rating system and available options, veterans can ensure they receive the support and healthcare they rightfully deserve.
FAQs
How does the VA test for chronic bronchitis?
The VA tests for chronic bronchitis using pulmonary function tests (PFTs) such as spirometry, chest X-rays, and CT scans to assess lung function and airflow obstruction.
What is the VA rating for chronic bronchitis?
The VA rates chronic bronchitis under Diagnostic Code 6600, with disability ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%, depending on pulmonary function test results and the severity of lung impairment.
What is the average VA rating for chronic bronchitis?
The VA rating for chronic bronchitis varies based on lung impairment, but many veterans receive a rating between 10% and 30%, with higher ratings for severe cases.
How do you prove chronic bronchitis?
To prove chronic bronchitis for VA benefits, veterans must provide a medical diagnosis, service records showing exposure to airborne hazards, and a nexus letter linking the condition to military service.
What confirms chronic bronchitis?
It is confirmed by a persistent mucus-producing cough lasting at least three months per year for two consecutive years, along with diagnostic tests like PFTs, chest X-rays, or CT scans.
Also read: Gulf War Illness and VA Disability
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Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
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