Reference: 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6604

What is the VA rating for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

COPD and Chronic Bronchitis are evaluated under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Codes 6604 and others. The rating schedule primarily uses pulmonary function tests (FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, DLCO) and the requirement for oxygen therapy. It is a presumptive condition under the PACT Act.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

Click to expand

VA evaluates Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease based on 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6604.

EXPLORE THIS CONDITION

Explore Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Criteria & Tools

Start AssessmentAnswer condition-scoped questions using documented findings from your records or exam notes.Continue Percentage GuideSee the published percentage tiers and what changes between them.Continue Secondary ConditionsSee conditions commonly connected to this one in VA claims.Continue

Save this condition to find it again later. Designed to be stored in this browser's local storage. Lost if you clear browser data or switch devices or browsers.

Common Questions & FAQs

View Questions

Compare your records in assessment Read overview

Overview

About this condition

VA evaluates Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease based on 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6604.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6604

Educational only. RatingScope does not diagnose, determine service connection, or predict a VA decision.

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.

Variable

Based on regulatory criteria.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: Evaluated based on FEV-1, FVC, or DLCO test results.
What the published criteria say: Rated according to the schedule.

Learn

Understand the details behind the criteria

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

COPD evaluations rely on objective pulmonary function measurements

The rating schedule evaluates COPD primarily through spirometry results (FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC ratio), diffusion capacity (DLCO), and maximum oxygen consumption testing.

FEV-1 measures the volume of air exhaled in one second and is the primary metric for airflow obstruction severity.
DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide) measures gas exchange efficiency, which is relevant when emphysema affects the air sac surfaces.
When exercise testing has been performed, maximum oxygen consumption results may also factor into the evaluation.

Records to review: Spirometry with FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC values; DLCO testing results if performed; Exercise tolerance or maximum oxygen consumption testing.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

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

Ready when you are

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is evaluated under the Trachea and Bronchi assessment

RatingScope compares Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 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

Learn More

Continue Understanding

Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

VA Respiratory Non-Combination Rules: 38 CFR 4.96 Explained

Learn why the VA does not combine respiratory conditions under 38 CFR 4.96(a), and how predominant ratings and rating elevations work.

How VA Rates COPD: DC 6604 Pulmonary Function Criteria

Learn how the VA evaluates Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease under 38 CFR 4.97 (DC 6604) using FEV-1, DLCO, and oxygen therapy requirements.

Asthma vs. COPD in VA Disability Claims: Ratings, PFTs, and Pyramiding

Compare how the VA evaluates asthma (DC 6602) versus COPD (DC 6604), anti-pyramiding rules under 38 CFR 4.14, and medication versus spirometry criteria.

Pulmonary Function Tests in VA Disability Claims: PFT and Spirometry Guide

What 38 CFR 4.96(d) says about pulmonary function tests: when they are required, post-bronchodilator results, and how FEV-1, FVC and DLCO are used.

VA Respiratory C&P Exam and DBQ Guide: Spirometry, Inhalers, and Evidence

Prepare for your VA respiratory C&P exam. Learn what examiners test on the Respiratory DBQ, mandatory spirometry procedures, and essential medical evidence.

Restrictive Lung Disease VA Rating: FVC Tiers & 38 CFR 4.97

Learn how the VA evaluates restrictive lung disease, chest wall deformities, and diaphragmatic paralysis under 38 CFR 4.97 based on Forced Vital Capacity.

Pulmonary Fibrosis & Interstitial Lung Disease: VA Rating Guide

Learn how the VA evaluates pulmonary fibrosis, asbestosis, silicosis, and interstitial lung disease under Diagnostic Code 6838, DLCO metrics, and PACT Act presumptions.

Respiratory Cancers & Neoplasms: How VA Rates Lung & Airway Tumors

Understand how the VA evaluates lung cancer, bronchial tumors, and respiratory neoplasms under Diagnostic Code 6819, temporary 100% rules, and PACT Act presumptions.

How VA Rates Asthma: DC 6602 Inhaler and PFT Criteria

Learn how the VA evaluates bronchial asthma under 38 CFR 4.97 (DC 6602) using spirometric pulmonary function tests (FEV-1) and required inhaler therapies.

PACT Act Respiratory Presumptive Conditions: Burn Pits and Airborne Hazards

Explore the complete list of respiratory conditions presumptively service-connected under the PACT Act (38 CFR 3.320) from burn pit and particulate exposure.

Keep going

Compare a percentage level and combined-rating math, or review evidence context.

See all tools

VA Math & Combined Ratings

Understand the whole-person method, final rounding, and bilateral limits, then calculate how percentages combine.

Open VA Math guide

Evidence Center

Understand common evidence categories and what they can clarify without treating them as a checklist.

Open Evidence Center