Va Rating for Asthma
What Veterans Need to Know About AsthmaAsthma is a common respiratory condition that affects many veterans, often as a result of their military service. If you're a veteran struggling with asthma, understanding the VA disability rating process is crucial for securing the benefits you deserve. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about VA ratings for asthma, including how to file a claim, rating criteria, and recent changes due to the PACT Act.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheezing when exhaling
- Coughing, especially at night or during physical activity
- Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems
For veterans, asthma can be particularly debilitating, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Understanding how the VA rates asthma is essential for getting the proper support and compensation.
VA Disability Rating for Asthma
The VA assigns disability ratings for asthma based on the severity of the condition and its impact on your daily life. These ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms and greater disability.
How to Get a VA Disability Rating for Asthma
To receive a VA disability rating for asthma, you generally need to prove three things:
- A current diagnosis of asthma
- An in-service event, injury, or illness that caused or aggravated your asthma
- A medical link (nexus) between your current asthma and the in-service event
However, thanks to recent changes under the PACT Act, some veterans may qualify for a presumptive service connection for asthma.
Asthma VA Rating PACT Act Changes
The PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits. Under this act, asthma may be presumptively service-connected if:
- You served in specific locations (including Southwest Asia) after September 11, 2001
- Your asthma manifested within 10 years of your qualifying service
This change significantly simplifies the claims process for many veterans with asthma.
VA Rating for Asthma
The VA uses specific criteria to determine asthma disability ratings. These are primarily based on pulmonary function tests and medication requirements.
Pulmonary Function Tests
The VA uses two main tests to assess asthma severity:
- Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV-1): Measures the amount of air you can forcefully exhale in one second
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): Measures the total amount of air you can exhale after taking a deep breath
The VA then uses the FEV-1/FVC ratio to determine your rating.
VA Asthma Rating Criteria
Here's a breakdown of the VA ratings for asthma based on pulmonary function tests:
|
Rating |
FEV-1 or FEV-1/FVC Ratio |
|
100% |
Less than 40% |
|
60% |
40-55% |
|
30% |
56-70% |
|
10% |
71-80% |
Exercise-Induced Asthma VA Rating
Exercise-induced asthma, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is a specific type of asthma triggered by physical activity. The VA disability rating for exercise-induced asthma follows the same criteria as regular asthma. However, it's crucial to demonstrate how this condition specifically impacts your ability to perform physical activities and maintain employment.
Highest VA Disability Rating for Asthma
The highest VA disability rating for asthma is 100%. This rating is reserved for veterans with severe asthma symptoms that significantly impact their daily life and ability to work. To qualify for a 100% rating, you must demonstrate:
- FEV-1 less than 40% predicted, or
- FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or
- More than one asthma attack per week with episodes of respiratory failure, or
- Daily use of systemic high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications
Tips for Filing an Asthma VA Disability Claim
- Gather all relevant medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, and pulmonary function test results.
- If you believe your asthma is related to burn pit exposure, document your service in qualifying locations and timeframes.
- Consider getting a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by your doctor to provide comprehensive evidence of your condition.
- If you're denied or receive a lower rating than expected, consider appealing with the help of a VA-accredited representative.
You Fought For Your Country, Let Us Fight for You.
If you have had a VA disability claim for asthma denied, reach out to Veterans Disability Aid for assistance in filing your appeal. Alan Watt is a VA-accredited claims agent and has extensive experience navigating the difficult and often confusing VA claims and appeals process. Visit our About Us page to learn more about the team at Veterans Disability Aid. You can also get ahold of the team directly by using the button below to visit our contact page.