---
title: "DC 6601 - Bronchiectasis:"
diagnostic_code: "6601"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6601-bronchiectasis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:34:12.856970Z"
---

# DC 6601 - Bronchiectasis:

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

Or rate according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic bronchitis (DC 6600).

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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

- 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).

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97