§ 4.97 Schedule of ratings—respiratory system.

Bronchiectasis

Chronic dilation of bronchi causing persistent cough and lung infections

What the rating means

VA rates bronchiectasis under Diagnostic Code 6601. Four percentage ratings are possible: 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100%. Alternatively, VA may rate the condition according to pulmonary impairment, using the same formula applied to chronic bronchitis under Diagnostic Code 6600, whichever approach produces a higher evaluation.

The 10% rating applies when you have an intermittent productive cough with acute infections that require a course of antibiotics at least twice a year. The 30% rating applies when you have either incapacitating episodes of infection totaling two to four weeks per year, or a daily productive cough with sputum that is sometimes purulent or blood-tinged and that requires prolonged antibiotic treatment lasting four to six weeks more than twice a year. The 60% rating applies when incapacitating episodes total four to six weeks per year, or when there are near-constant findings of cough with purulent sputum along with anorexia, weight loss, and frank hemoptysis that require almost continuous antibiotic use. The 100% rating applies when incapacitating episodes of infection total at least six weeks per year. An incapacitating episode is one that requires bedrest and treatment by a physician.

Evidence that helps

Medical records that document the frequency and duration of your infections are central to establishing the rating level. Physician notes, hospital or clinic visit records, and treatment summaries showing how many weeks per year your infections required bedrest and physician care directly support the incapacitating-episode criteria at the 30%, 60%, and 100% levels.

Records of antibiotic prescriptions help show both frequency and duration of treatment. Pharmacy records or prescription histories can confirm whether antibiotics were prescribed at least twice a year, whether courses lasted four to six weeks, or whether use was almost continuous, which ties to the 10%, 30%, and 60% criteria respectively.

Pulmonary function test results, imaging such as CT scans showing the extent of bronchiectasis, and sputum culture reports can document findings like purulent sputum or hemoptysis that appear in the 60% criteria. Nutrition and weight records support the anorexia and weight loss findings at that same level.

Statements from you or people who know you describing how infections affect your ability to work, maintain daily activities, or leave your home during episodes can help show the real-world impact of your symptoms and corroborate physician records about the severity and frequency of your condition.

Secondary conditions

Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.

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What the rating means

Evidence that helps

Secondary conditions

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