What are the VA rating percentages for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (DC 6604) is rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604. FEV-1 of 71-80% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC of 71-80%; or, DLCO (SB) 66-80% predicted.

What rates 10% for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604 (DC 6604), a 10% rating for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease requires: FEV-1 of 71-80% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC of 71-80%; or, DLCO (SB) 66-80% predicted.

What rates 30% for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604 (DC 6604), a 30% rating for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease requires: FEV-1 of 56-70% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC of 56-70%; or, DLCO (SB) 56-65% predicted.

What secondary conditions are linked to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Common secondary conditions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease include Cor Pulmonale, Pulmonary Hypertension, Depression, Anxiety, Osteoporosis. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

What happens during a C&P exam for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Q: What rates 60% for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604 (DC 6604), a 60% rating for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease requires: FEV-1 of 40-55% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC of 40-55%; or, DLCO (SB) of 40-55% predicted; or, maximum oxygen consumption of 15-20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit).

Q: What rates 100% for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604 (DC 6604), a 100% rating for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease requires: FEV-1 less than 40% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC less than 40%; or, DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted; or, maximum oxygen consumption less than 15 ml/kg/min; or, cor pulmonale; or, right ventricular hypertrophy; or, pulmonary hypertension; or, episodes of acute respiratory failure; or, requires outpatient oxygen therapy.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease VA claim?

Key evidence for a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 660438 C.F.R. § 4.97

Diagnostic Code

DC 6604

38 C.F.R. § 4.97

Rating Range

10–100%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6604 of 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6604 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 30% / 60% / 100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Cor Pulmonale or Pulmonary Hypertension under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Progressive lung disease causing airflow limitation, chronic cough, and dyspnea

Rating Criteria

10%

FEV-1 of 71-80% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC of 71-80%; or, DLCO (SB) 66-80% predicted.

30%

FEV-1 of 56-70% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC of 56-70%; or, DLCO (SB) 56-65% predicted.

60%

FEV-1 of 40-55% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC of 40-55%; or, DLCO (SB) of 40-55% predicted; or, maximum oxygen consumption of 15-20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit).

100%

FEV-1 less than 40% predicted; or, FEV-1/FVC less than 40%; or, DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted; or, maximum oxygen consumption less than 15 ml/kg/min; or, cor pulmonale; or, right ventricular hypertrophy; or, pulmonary hypertension; or, episodes of acute respiratory failure; or, requires outpatient oxygen therapy.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

05Secondary Conditions

Cor PulmonaleMODERATE

Right heart failure from pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary HypertensionMODERATE

Chronic hypoxia increases pulmonary pressure

DepressionMODERATE

Chronic illness burden and activity limitation

AnxietyMODERATE

Dyspnea triggers panic and anxiety

OsteoporosisMODERATE

Chronic inflammation and steroid use

Muscle WastingMODERATE

Systemic inflammation causes sarcopenia

Weight LossMODERATE

Increased work of breathing burns calories

Sleep DisordersMODERATE

Nocturnal hypoxia and breathing difficulty

Cognitive ImpairmentMODERATE

Chronic hypoxia affects brain function

More in Respiratory

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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