Reference: 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6601

What is the VA rating for Bronchiectasis?

The published Bronchiectasis schedule uses specific diagnostic codes.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

Under 38 CFR 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6601, VA rates Bronchiectasis based on the duration of incapacitating episodes of infection, the severity of chronic cough and sputum production, and the requirement for antibiotic usage. Alternatively, it can be rated based on pulmonary impairment under chronic bronchitis (DC 6600).

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Overview

About this condition

Under 38 CFR 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6601, VA rates Bronchiectasis based on the duration of incapacitating episodes of infection, the severity of chronic cough and sputum production, and the requirement for antibiotic usage. Alternatively, it can be rated based on pulmonary impairment under chronic bronchitis (DC 6600).

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6601

This guide is educational only. RatingScope does not diagnose Bronchiectasis, cannot determine service connection, and does not predict a VA decision. This provides the standard regulatory rule for evaluating Bronchiectasis.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

100%

Highest listed pathway

Incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks total duration per year.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year
What the published criteria say
This level applies when infections are so severe that they cause at least six weeks of incapacitation over a year.
Medical evidence
Medical records documenting at least six weeks of incapacitating episodes of infection per year

60%

Next: 100% requires incapacitating episodes totaling at least six weeks per year.

Incapacitating episodes of 4-6 weeks per year, or near constant symptoms requiring almost continuous antibiotics.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
With incapacitating episodes of infection of four to six weeks total duration per year, or; near constant findings of cough with purulent sputum associated with anorexia, weight loss, and frank hemoptysis and requiring antibiotic usage almost continuously
What the published criteria say
This level applies when episodes total 4-6 weeks per year, or when there is a near constant cough with severe symptoms and almost continuous antibiotic use.
Medical evidence
Medical records documenting 4-6 weeks of incapacitation per year; Records of near constant cough with purulent sputum, weight loss, hemoptysis, and continuous antibiotics

30%

Next: 60% requires incapacitating episodes of 4-6 weeks or almost continuous antibiotic use.

Incapacitating episodes of 2-4 weeks per year, or prolonged antibiotic usage more than twice a year.

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Official CFR language
With incapacitating episodes of infection of two to four weeks total duration per year, or; daily productive cough with sputum that is at times purulent or blood-tinged and that requires prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic usage more than twice a year
What the published criteria say
This level applies when incapacitating episodes total 2-4 weeks per year, or when there is a daily cough requiring prolonged antibiotics more than twice a year.
Medical evidence
Medical records documenting 2-4 weeks of incapacitation per year; Records of daily productive cough and prolonged antibiotics more than twice a year

10%

Next: 30% requires incapacitating episodes of 2-4 weeks or prolonged antibiotic usage.

Intermittent productive cough requiring antibiotics at least twice a year.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Intermittent productive cough with acute infection requiring a course of antibiotics at least twice a year
What the published criteria say
This is the minimum rating for Bronchiectasis unless it is rated according to pulmonary impairment.
Medical evidence
Medical records documenting intermittent productive cough and antibiotics at least twice a year

Learn

Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

Bronchiectasis evaluations consider both lung function and infection patterns

The rating schedule evaluates bronchiectasis through a combination of pulmonary function test results and the frequency of documented respiratory infections requiring treatment.

  • Spirometry results (FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC) establish the baseline lung function measurement.
  • The frequency of incapacitating episodes (infections requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician) is an independent evaluation criterion.
  • Antibiotic courses documented in treatment records help establish the pattern and frequency of infectious exacerbations.

Records to review: Spirometry with FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC values; Treatment records documenting infection frequency and antibiotic use; Imaging (CT or X-ray) confirming bronchiectasis diagnosis.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Medical Evidence 1

A confirmed medical diagnosis of Bronchiectasis.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Medical Evidence 2

Records detailing the frequency and total annual duration of incapacitating episodes of infection.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

Medical Evidence 3

Records showing the frequency and duration of antibiotic treatments.

A diagnosis alone does not identify which percentage pathway applies.

VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

The public DBQ shows the kinds of findings an examiner may record. A veteran may review it, or may share it with a private clinician, before a C&P exam. RatingScope does not tell any person what to submit.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

Related Conditions

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Bronchiectasis is evaluated under the Trachea and Bronchi assessment

RatingScope compares Bronchiectasis records using the published criteria in the Trachea and Bronchi assessment. Compare your documented records against the criteria.

Informational guidance only. RatingScope does not predict, decide, or guarantee VA outcomes.

Compare records in the Trachea and Bronchi assessment

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Bronchiectasis

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Bronchiectasis yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Bronchiectasis.

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Evidence Center

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