Bronchiectasis

DC 6601Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6601

A condition where the airways in your lungs become permanently widened and damaged, leading to a buildup of mucus and frequent lung infections. The VA rates bronchiectasis based on how often you get infections, your lung function test results, and whether you have incapacitating episodes.

Rating Levels

You have incapacitating episodes of infection 6 or more weeks per year, or near-constant productive cough with signs of right heart failure (cor pulmonale).

What the VA looks for

Incapacitating episodes of infection 6+ weeks per year
Near-constant productive cough with purulent sputum
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC less than 40%
Weight loss and malaise documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every antibiotic course for lung infections — keep records of all prescriptions as the rating depends on infection frequency.
⚠Not getting PFTs regularly — your lung function may qualify you for a higher rating than the bronchiectasis-specific criteria.
⚠Not requesting a chest CT scan which shows the extent of airway damage more clearly than X-rays.
⚠Not connecting bronchiectasis to burn pit or toxic exposure during service.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (Other Than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Bronchiectasis

Rating Levels

You have incapacitating episodes of infection 6 or more weeks per year, or near-constant productive cough with signs of right heart failure (cor pulmonale).

What the VA looks for

Incapacitating episodes of infection 6+ weeks per year
Near-constant productive cough with purulent sputum
Cor pulmonale or right ventricular hypertrophy
FEV-1 less than 40% predicted
FEV-1/FVC less than 40%
Weight loss and malaise documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every antibiotic course for lung infections — keep records of all prescriptions as the rating depends on infection frequency.

⚠Not getting PFTs regularly — your lung function may qualify you for a higher rating than the bronchiectasis-specific criteria.

⚠Not requesting a chest CT scan which shows the extent of airway damage more clearly than X-rays.

⚠Not connecting bronchiectasis to burn pit or toxic exposure during service.