Published VA rule book · 38 CFR § 4.97 · DC 6604 · not your rating · we do not file
VA rating for COPD, DC 6604: 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
VA rates COPD under diagnostic code 6604 in the VA rating schedule, 38 CFR § 4.97. The schedule lists 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. The table below quotes each published line word for word.
Also called: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rule-book name: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Last checked against eCFR on 2026-10-10 (eCFR issue 2026-08-27). Official text on eCFR.
The published lines for DC 6604
| Percent in the rule book | Published words (quoted) |
|---|---|
| 100% | FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value, or; the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second to Forced Vital Capacity (FEV-1/FVC) less than 40 percent, or; Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide by the Single Breath Method (DLCO (SB)) less than 40-percent predicted, or; maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption (with cardiac or respiratory limitation), or; cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or; right ventricular hypertrophy, or; pulmonary hypertension (shown by Echo or cardiac catheterization), or; episode(s) of acute respiratory failure, or; requires 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) 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) 66- to 80-percent predicted |
Common questions
What percentages does VA list for COPD?
Under diagnostic code 6604 (38 CFR § 4.97), the rule book lists 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%. Which line fits is decided by VA from the evidence. This page is not your rating.
Where do these words come from?
They are quoted from the public eCFR copy of 38 CFR § 4.97, Schedule of ratings—respiratory system. We link the official page so you can check it.
How can I use this page?
Read each line, then look at your own records. Note which records talk about the same things the rule book names. Only write what is true for you. You, or a free accredited representative, file with VA.
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Good to know
This page quotes the public VA rule book. It is not your rating and not your pay. We do not say you have this condition. We do not file. You, or a free accredited representative, file with VA.
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