Diagnostic Code 6600 · 38 CFR §4.97
Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production lasting at least three months per year for two consecutive years. The bronchial tubes become inflamed and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Veterans commonly develop chronic bronchitis from exposure to burn pits, dust, sand, diesel exhaust, chemical agents, or industrial substances during military service. Smoking during service is also a contributing factor.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Pulmonary function test results with FEV-1, FVC, FEV-1/FVC ratio, and DLCO measurements, Chest X-ray or CT scan showing bronchitic changes, Documentation of chronic productive cough lasting three or more months per year, Service records showing exposure to respiratory irritants — burn pits, dust, chemicals, Deployment records for dusty or contaminated environments, Treatment records showing bronchodilators, inhalers, or other respiratory medications