Bronchiectasis DC 6601
VA rates it under diagnostic code 6601 in 38 CFR 4.97. Body system: Breathing & sleep.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 4 rating levels for this code: 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.97 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
The schedule rates this as DC 6600 (Bronchitis, chronic).
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 100% | With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year |
| 60% | 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 |
| 30% | 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 |
| 10% | Intermittent productive cough with acute infection requiring a course of antibiotics at least twice a year |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.97, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Or rate according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic bronchitis (DC 6600).
Notes in the schedule (1)
Note: An incapacitating episode is one that requires bedrest and treatment by a physician.
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Chronic diseases that show up within a year of discharge
Covered: Bronchiectasis.
Time limit: At least 10% disabling within 1 year of discharge.
Who qualifies: 90 days or more of continuous active service during a war period or after December 31, 1946, and the disease reached at least 10% disabling within 1 year of leaving service (3 years for tuberculosis and Hansen's disease, 7 years for multiple sclerosis).
38 CFR 3.307(a)(3) and 3.309(a). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B: Conditions of the auditory system
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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