Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 6601: Bronchiectasis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.97
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Respiratory system
The VA rates Bronchiectasis under diagnostic code 6601 in 38 CFR § 4.97. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 6601 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Intermittent productive cough with acute infection requiring a course of antibiotics at least twice a year |
| 30% | Incapacitating episodes of infection of two to four weeks total duration per year, or daily productive cough with sputum that is at times purulent or blood-tinged and that requires prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic usage more than twice a year |
| 60% | Incapacitating episodes of infection of four to six weeks total duration per year, or near constant findings of cough with purulent sputum associated with anorexia, weight loss, and frank hemoptysis and requiring antibiotic usage almost continuously |
| 100% | Incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Bronchiectasis. The Bronchiectasis condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Bronchiectasis appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 89 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Bronchiectasis as the primary issue. The Bronchiectasis condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Bronchiectasis appeals generally rather than DC 6601 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6601?
Diagnostic code 6601 is the VA rating schedule entry for Bronchiectasis, found in 38 CFR § 4.97. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 6601?
DC 6601 provides ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6601 require?
The 100% rating for Bronchiectasis requires: Incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year.
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