Conditions / Respiratory
38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6604 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for COPD
VA rates COPD under diagnostic code 6604 (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) at 4 levels from 10% to 100%. The lowest paid level, 10%, is worth $180.42 a month and the highest, 100%, $3,938.58 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 6604
- 2Highest level 100% · $3,938.58
- 3Lowest paid level 10% · $180.42
Rating criteria for DC 6604
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent, or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted, or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption, or cor pulmonale, right ventricular hypertrophy or pulmonary hypertension, or episodes of acute respiratory failure, or outpatient oxygen therapy. |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 40 to 55 percent predicted, or maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min with cardiorespiratory limit. |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 56 to 65 percent predicted. |
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent, or DLCO (SB) of 66 to 80 percent predicted. |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.97 Schedule of ratings, respiratory system, diagnostic code 6604, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- The General Rating Formula for Restrictive Lung Disease (6840 to 6845) uses the same pulmonary function thresholds.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | 100 → 100% |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | 64 → 60% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | 37 → 40% |
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | 19 → 20% |
3 of the 4 compensable levels are 30% or higher, where dependents raise the payment; below that the rate is flat. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $3,758.16 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
How this rating fits a claim
The top level, 100%, is at or above the 60% that 38 CFR 4.16(a) sets for a single disability to qualify for consideration of a total rating based on unemployability. A rating under DC 6604 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Sleep apnea (DC 6847)
- Asthma (DC 6602)
- Allergic rhinitis (DC 6522)
- Chronic sinusitis (DC 6510-6514)
Pay at the top level: 100% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 10% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6604. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.