VA Diagnostic Code 6601Bronchiectasis:
Rated from 10% to 100% under § 4.97. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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Summary
Or rate according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic bronchitis (DC 6600).
What each rating requires
The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.
- 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
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: An incapacitating episode is one that requires bedrest and treatment by a physician.
Bronchiectasis (VA Diagnostic Code 6601)
Understanding Your VA Rating for Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a respiratory condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 6601, found in § 4.97 of the VA's rating schedule for the Respiratory System.
The VA rates bronchiectasis based on how often you experience incapacitating episodes of infection and the severity of related symptoms such as cough, sputum, and antibiotic use. As an alternative, bronchiectasis may be rated according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic bronchitis (Diagnostic Code 6600).
Important: For rating purposes, an incapacitating episode is one that requires bedrest and treatment by a physician.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the following levels:
100%
Incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year.
60%
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%
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.
What the VA Looks For
When rating bronchiectasis, the VA considers:
- The frequency and total duration of incapacitating episodes of infection over the course of a year — remembering that an incapacitating episode is one requiring bedrest and treatment by a physician.
- The nature and persistence of your cough, including whether it is intermittent or daily, and whether it produces sputum that is purulent or blood-tinged.
- Your use of antibiotics, including how often courses are required and how long they last.
- Associated symptoms such as anorexia, weight loss, and frank hemoptysis.
As an alternative to the criteria above, the VA may rate bronchiectasis according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic bronchitis (Diagnostic Code 6600).
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.97, diagnostic code 6601. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
View official sourceHow to claim this
Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.
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File under diagnostic code 6601 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Respiratory System codes may cover your secondary conditions.
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