Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can significantly impact a person’s daily life, and for veterans, it can be a service-connected disability. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes asthma as a potentially debilitating condition that may be linked to military service, including exposure to burn pits, environmental hazards, and toxic chemicals.
In this guide, we will explore the VA disability rating system for asthma, how many veterans seek to establish a service connection, and the impact of the PACT Act. We will also explore common secondary conditions to asthma and the resources veterans who are in the appeal process for denied claims can review and research.
Table of Contents
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by airway inflammation and constriction, leading to breathing difficulties. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can suddenly worsen in what is known as an asthma attack.
Symptoms of Asthma
Veterans may experience common symptoms like:
- Shortness of breath – Especially during physical exertion or at night.
- Chest tightness or pain – A sensation of pressure or discomfort.
- Wheezing – A high-pitched whistling sound during exhalation.
- Persistent coughing – Often worse at night or early in the morning.
A study found that Veterans deployed with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan were 24%–30% more likely to develop new-onset asthma compared to non-deployed personnel.
Moreover, the National Health Statistics 2021 report showed that asthma prevalence was higher in female veterans (9.5%) than males (6.9%) and more common in younger veterans (10.5% for ages 18–44) compared to older veterans (4.8% for ages 75+).
Hence, for many veterans, obtaining VA disability benefits is crucial for managing their condition and securing the compensation they deserve.
Establishing a Service Connection for Asthma
To receive VA disability benefits for asthma, veterans must establish a service connection, proving that their condition is linked to their military service.
Direct Service Connection
Basic eligibility criteria for establishing service connection include:
A Current Medical Diagnosis – A confirmed current diagnosis of asthma from a qualified medical professional.
In-Service Event or Exposure – Proof of an event, exposure, or condition during service that could have caused or worsened asthma. Examples include:
- Deployment records (DD Form 214) to areas with burn pits.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or airborne hazards.
- Service treatment records (STRs) linked to respiratory infections or conditions developed during service.
A Medical Nexus (Link) – A medical opinion or evidence connecting the current asthma diagnosis to the in-service exposure. Written by a primary care physician or specialist like a pulmonologist, the letter must explicitly state that the veteran’s condition is “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by their in-service event or exposure. It is important to note that a nexus need not be established in a letter, but can be as simple as a quick statement in some cases. These can also be obtained at the VA compensation and Pension examination.
Presumptive Service Connection
Some veterans may qualify for presumptive service connection, meaning they don’t need to prove a direct link between their disability and military service.
- Persian Gulf War Veterans – Those who served in Southwest Asia theatre of operations starting in August 1990 and/or after September 19, 2001, to the present and developed asthma within one year of discharge may qualify for a presumptive service connection under Gulf War Illness regulations.
- PACT Act Expansion – Under the PACT Act of 2022, asthma is now a presumptive service-connected disability for veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic chemicals.
This means that if a veteran served in specific regions and developed asthma within 10 years of discharge, the VA presumes the condition is service-connected in most cases.
VA Disability Ratings for Asthma
The VA rates asthma under CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, Diagnostic Code 6602, Asthma, Bronchial. Depending on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life, these VA ratings for asthma decide the level of compensation a veteran receives.
Pulmonary Function Tests Used by the VA
The VA primarily relies on two breathing tests to evaluate asthma severity:
- Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV-1) – Measures how much air a person can forcefully exhale in one second.
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) – Measures the total amount of air a person can exhale after taking a deep breath.
- FEV-1/FVC Ratio – Compares FEV-1 and FVC to assess airflow restriction.
Breakdown of VA Ratings for Asthma
- 100% Disability Rating: A 100% rating is assigned if the veteran has an FEV-1 of less than 40% predicted, an FEV-1/FVC ratio of less than 40%, experiences multiple attacks each week that lead to respiratory failure or requires daily treatment with high-dose systemic corticosteroids (oral or parenteral) or immunosuppressive medications.
- 60% Disability Rating: A 60% rating is given when FEV-1 is between 40-55% predicted, or the FEV-1/FVC ratio is between 40-55%. It is also assigned if the veteran requires at least monthly physician visits for exacerbations or undergoes intermittent (at least three times per year) courses of systemic (oral or parenteral) corticosteroids.
- 30% Disability Rating: A 30% rating applies if FEV-1 is between 56-70% predicted, or the FEV-1/FVC ratio is between 56-70%. This asthma VA disability rating is also granted if the veteran requires daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy or inhalational anti-inflammatory medication.
- 10% Disability Rating: A 10% rating is assigned when FEV-1 is between 71-80% predicted, or the FEV-1/FVC ratio is between 71-80%. This rating also applies if the veteran requires intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.
Note: If there are no clinical findings at the time of examination, a history of asthmatic attacks must be on record to qualify for a rating.
In addition to lung function tests, ER visits, medication usage, and frequency of attacks may also affect a veteran’s asthma VA rating. Providing an independent medical nexus opinion may strengthen your claim in some cases, for VA asthma compensation.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Veterans who are unable to work due to service-connected asthma may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits, which pay at the 100% disability rate even if their rating is lower.
Eligibility for TDIU Benefits
Schedular TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16a)
- One disability rated at 60% or higher OR
- Multiple disabilities have a combined 70% rating, with at least one rating at 40%.
Extraschedular TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16b)
For veterans whose severe asthma prevents them from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if their disability rating doesn’t meet the percentage requirements.
For many veterans, TDIU benefits provide critical financial stability when their service-connected condition prevents them from working.
Secondary Conditions to Asthma
Asthma can lead to other health issues, which the VA recognizes as secondary conditions. Veterans may qualify for additional disability compensation if their asthma causes or worsens another condition.
Common Secondary Conditions
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Inflammation and restricted airflow from asthma can cause breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to fatigue and low oxygen levels.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Frequent coughing and lung irritation can weaken the esophagus, allowing stomach acid to back up and make asthma symptoms worse.
- Chronic Bronchitis – Persistent airway inflammation can lead to excessive mucus production, frequent infections, and worsening breathing difficulties.
- Anxiety and Depression – The stress of unpredictable asthma attacks can take a toll on mental health, leading to disorders like anxiety or depression.
- Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis – Chronic nasal and sinus inflammation often go hand in hand with asthma, causing congestion and making breathing even more difficult.
To prove a secondary condition for higher VA disability ratings, veterans must establish a medical nexus between their asthma and the secondary condition.
For example, a nexus letter from a pulmonologist might state: “The Veteran’s service-connected asthma has caused chronic oxygen deprivation, leading to the development of obstructive sleep apnea.” This establishes a direct medical link.
Asthma and Burn Pit Exposure
One of the most significant health concerns for post-9/11 veterans is exposure to burn pits, which were widely used for waste disposal at military bases in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Southwest Asia locations. These massive open-air pits burned everything from plastics and chemicals to human and medical waste, releasing harmful toxins into the air.
Burn pits emitted dangerous substances, including:
- Dioxins
- Heavy metals
- Fumes from plastics, paints, and fuel
- Particulate matter
Many veterans who lived and worked near burn pits have since developed health problems like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other severe respiratory conditions.
VA Recognition of Burn Pit-Related Asthma
Under the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, the VA now presumes asthma is service-connected for veterans who:
- Served in Southwest Asia, Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti, or other designated areas
- Were diagnosed with asthma within 10 years of leaving service
This presumptive service connection makes it easier for veterans to obtain VA disability benefits without having to prove a direct link between their asthma and burn pit exposure.
Criteria for Exercise-Induced Asthma VA Rating
Exercise-induced asthma, or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is often triggered by physical exertion. Veterans who experience this condition may be eligible for VA disability benefits, either as a primary service-connected condition or as a secondary condition linked to another disability, such as PTSD, anxiety, or sleep apnea.
For example, a veteran with service-connected PTSD was prescribed regular cardio to manage anxiety and improve sleep. After months of running, they develop wheezing and shortness of breath, leading to an exercise-induced asthma diagnosis. Since the condition results from medically necessary exercise for PTSD, they may qualify for secondary service connection and VA disability benefits.
Qualifying Criteria for a VA Rating
To receive a VA disability rating for exercise-induced asthma, a Veteran must demonstrate that:
- The condition did not exist before military service or was aggravated by service.
- The asthma is triggered by medically necessary exercise prescribed for a service-connected condition.
- The symptoms are not due to environmental factors alone.
The VA rates exercise-induced asthma under Diagnostic Code 6602, with ratings ranging from 0% to 100% based on the severity of attacks, lung function test results, and treatment frequency. Veterans can collect medical records, lay statements, and physician nexus letters to strengthen their VA claim.
Filing a VA Disability Claim for Asthma
Filing a VA disability claim requires a structured approach to demonstrate service connection. Below are considerations veterans contemplate when filing a claim for disability compensation.
Step 1: Gather Evidence for Service Connection
To build a strong VA disability claim for asthma, veterans must compile documentation of medical and service records, including:
- Medical Diagnosis: A current diagnosis of asthma from a qualified physician.
- Service Records: Documentation of deployment locations, hazardous exposures (e.g., burn pits, airborne toxins), or medical visits related to breathing difficulties.
- Medical Nexus Letter (when applicable): An independent medical opinion stating that the veteran’s asthma is “at least as likely as not” connected to their military service.
- Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC ratio results, which the VA uses to assess lung function.
Step 2: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
Veterans can file an asthma VA disability claim through various methods. They can submit their application online via VA.gov, mail a completed VA Form 21-526EZ, or visit a VA regional office in person. Consider seeking assistance from a VA-accredited attorney or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for guidance and support.
Step 3: Submit a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
Veterans can strengthen their claim by submitting a DBQ completed by a private physician, detailing symptom severity, medication use, and the impact of asthma on daily life. The VA may also schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam to verify the extent of the veteran’s asthma.
Step 4: Await the VA Decision
After submitting the claim, veterans must wait for the VA to review their evidence and issue a decision. This process can take several months, but veterans can track their claim status online or through a VA representative. If denied, veterans can appeal the decision.
A well-supported claim with comprehensive evidence increases the likelihood of a favorable disability rating and VA benefits.
Preparing for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam for Asthma
After filing a claim, the VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess the severity of the veteran’s asthma symptoms and their connection to military service. The main purpose of this C&P exam is to assess the severity of symptoms, determine their impact on daily functioning, and evaluate the need for frequent treatment or medication. Not attending this exam can even result in a claim denial.
A VA doctor or contracted examiner will conduct a medical review, physical examination, and possibly pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to measure lung capacity. The veteran may be subjected to a healthcare practitioner who will complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), or they can have their private doctor fill out to document the severity of their asthma symptoms and treatment history.
During your C&P exam, be honest about how asthmatic attacks impact your daily life, emphasizing your worst flare-ups. Bring supporting evidence, such as a symptom journal or lay statements to support your VA claim. Mention if you experience any secondary conditions related to your primary disability. The VA will review these findings to determine your eligibility for a disability rating for asthma.
How to Appeal a Denied Claim?
If an initial VA claim for asthma is denied, veterans have multiple appeal options detailed on va.gov associated with the Appeals Modernization Act:
- Supplemental Claim: If new and relevant medical evidence is available, veterans can submit it to support their case.
- Higher-Level Review (HLR): If no new evidence is available but the veteran believes a mistake was made, they can request a senior VA reviewer to re-evaluate the claim.
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA): If the claim remains denied, veterans can escalate it to the BVA for a formal appeal, where a Veterans Law Judge will review their case.
VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, or Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) can assist veterans navigate asthma claims by gathering evidence, documenting symptoms, and proving service connection. They help present a strong case to secure a higher asthma VA rating and benefits.
Conclusion
Veterans with service-connected asthma deserve fair compensation and proper medical care. Understanding the VA rating system, gathering strong medical evidence, and proving service connection are crucial steps in securing benefits. Seeking assistance from VA-accredited representatives can strengthen claims and improve outcomes. With the right approach, you can maximize your asthma VA rating and get the benefits you rightfully deserve for your condition.
FAQs
What is the VA disability rating for asthma?
The VA rates asthma under Diagnostic Code 6602, with ratings ranging from 10% to 100% based on lung function test results and treatment requirements.
How do I get 100% disability for asthma?
To receive a 100% VA disability rating for asthma, a veteran must have FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC less than 40% or experience frequent respiratory failure requiring high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications.
Is the VA presumptive for asthma?
Yes, under the PACT Act, asthma is a presumptive service-connected condition for veterans exposed to burn pits or other toxic substances in designated locations.
What is 30 percent for asthma?
A 30% VA disability rating for asthma requires an FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC ratio between 56-70% or daily use of inhalers, bronchodilators, or anti-inflammatory medication.
What is the VA rating for exercise-induced asthma?
Rated under Diagnostic Code 6602, exercise-induced asthma disability ratings are determined by lung function test results, severity of symptoms, and required treatment frequency.
What is the VA rating for asthma and sleep apnea?
If asthma causes or worsens sleep apnea, veterans may qualify for secondary service connection; however, since the VA rates asthma (DC 6602) and sleep apnea (DC 6847) separately, each condition will receive its own disability rating.
Also read: What to Expect in an Asthma C&P Exam
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
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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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