Burn Pit Lung Disease VA Disability Rating: Criteria, Evidence & Pay

What is burn pit lung disease and how does it affect veterans?

Burn pit lung disease refers to a range of respiratory conditions caused by exposure to open-air burn pits used at military installations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Southwest Asia, and other deployment locations. These burn pits incinerated everything from medical waste, chemicals, and plastics to batteries, tires, and human waste, releasing toxic fumes that millions of service members inhaled daily — often for months or years at a time.

The most recognized burn pit lung condition is constrictive bronchiolitis, a serious disease where the small airways of the lungs become inflamed and scarred, permanently restricting airflow. Other respiratory conditions linked to burn pit exposure include chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease.

Symptoms typically include chronic shortness of breath, persistent cough, reduced exercise tolerance, wheezing, and chest tightness. These symptoms may appear during service or develop years after deployment, which previously made it difficult to establish service connection. The PACT Act of 2022 fundamentally changed this in two ways: it concedes toxic exposure for veterans who served in covered locations (so you no longer need to prove you were exposed), and it added specific respiratory and other conditions to the VA’s presumptive service connection list. For conditions on the presumptive list, the VA presumes the condition is related to service. For other respiratory conditions not on the list, the conceded exposure still strengthens your claim but you will need medical evidence linking the condition to your service.

VA diagnostic code for burn pit lung disease

Burn pit lung disease is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6600 per 38 CFR § 4.97, Schedule of Ratings — Respiratory System. DC 6600 specifically covers chronic bronchitis, though the VA may also rate under other respiratory codes depending on your specific diagnosis (e.g., DC 6604 for COPD, DC 6845 for restrictive lung disease).

The rating criteria under 38 CFR § 4.97 are based on objective pulmonary function test (PFT) results, primarily FEV-1 (forced expiratory volume in one second predicted) and DLCO (diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide predicted). The VA uses whichever measurement produces the higher (more favorable) rating for the veteran.

Rating criteria for burn pit lung disease

The VA assigns burn pit lung disease ratings at five possible levels based on pulmonary function test results. Here’s what each rating requires and what it pays in 2026:

0% rating

Criteria: A respiratory condition has been diagnosed and service-connected, but pulmonary function tests show FEV-1 greater than 80% predicted, and DLCO greater than 80% predicted. Symptoms are present but lung function is not significantly impaired by objective testing.

Monthly payment: $0 (but establishes service connection, which is critical for future increases as the condition progresses and for secondary condition claims)

10% rating — $180.42/month

Criteria: Pulmonary function tests show:

• FEV-1 of 71% to 80% predicted, or
• FEV-1/FVC of 71% to 80%, or
• DLCO (SB) of 66% to 80% predicted

What this looks like: You experience mild shortness of breath during moderate exertion, such as climbing stairs or walking at a brisk pace. You can still perform most daily activities but notice reduced stamina compared to before your exposure. You may have a chronic cough that is manageable but persistent.

30% rating — $552.47/month

Criteria: Pulmonary function tests show:

• FEV-1 of 56% to 70% predicted, or
• FEV-1/FVC of 56% to 70%, or
• DLCO (SB) of 56% to 65% predicted

What this looks like: You have noticeable difficulty with physical activity. Walking moderate distances, carrying groceries, or doing yard work causes significant shortness of breath. You may use an inhaler regularly. Exercise tolerance is clearly reduced, and you may need to rest frequently during tasks that previously caused no difficulty.

60% rating — $1,435.02/month

Criteria: Pulmonary function tests show:

• FEV-1 of 40% to 55% predicted, or
• FEV-1/FVC of 40% to 55%, or
• DLCO (SB) of 40% to 55% predicted, or
• Maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit)

What this looks like: Daily activities are significantly limited by breathing difficulties. You may be unable to work jobs requiring any physical exertion. Walking short distances causes breathlessness. You likely use multiple medications and may require supplemental oxygen during physical activity.

100% rating — $3,938.58/month

Criteria: Pulmonary function tests show:

• FEV-1 less than 40% predicted, or
• FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or
• DLCO (SB) less than 40% predicted, or
• Maximum oxygen consumption less than 15 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit), 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

What this looks like: Your lung disease is severe and debilitating. You may require supplemental oxygen throughout the day. Even minimal physical activity, such as getting dressed or walking across a room, causes significant respiratory distress. You are unable to maintain employment in any capacity.

What evidence do you need?

Building a strong burn pit lung disease claim requires several types of evidence. The PACT Act simplifies the process but you still need to document your current condition:

Service records

• DD-214 confirming deployment to a covered location (Southwest Asia on or after August 2, 1990, or Afghanistan, Syria, and other post-9/11 locations on or after September 11, 2001)
• Deployment records, travel orders, or personnel records showing dates and locations of service
• Any service treatment records noting respiratory complaints during or after deployment
• Burn pit registry enrollment (not required, but supportive evidence)

Medical evidence

• Current diagnosis of a qualifying respiratory condition (constrictive bronchiolitis, chronic bronchitis, COPD, etc.) from a qualified physician
• Pulmonary function test (PFT) results — this is the single most important piece of medical evidence, as the rating is based almost entirely on PFT numbers
• CT scans or chest imaging showing lung damage
• Treatment records showing ongoing respiratory symptoms and medication use
• Pulmonology specialist records

Nexus letter

Under the PACT Act, a nexus letter may not be strictly required for presumptive conditions, but it can significantly strengthen your claim. A pulmonologist’s statement that your respiratory condition is “at least as likely as not” related to your burn pit / toxic exposure during military service adds powerful supporting evidence, especially if the VA questions whether your specific diagnosis qualifies.

Buddy statements

Statements from fellow service members who can describe:

• The burn pit conditions at your location (proximity to living quarters, what was being burned, frequency of exposure)
• Your respiratory symptoms during and after service
• How your breathing problems have affected your daily life

Personal statement

Your own detailed account of burn pit exposure and how the respiratory condition affects your daily life. Be specific — describe the burn pit (location, proximity to your living area, duration of exposure, what was burned), when symptoms began, and how they limit your current activities. For example, instead of “I have trouble breathing,” write “I cannot walk more than 100 yards without stopping to catch my breath, and I wake up gasping for air 2-3 times per week.”

C&P exam tips for burn pit lung disease

The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for a respiratory condition will focus heavily on objective testing, but your description of symptoms matters too.

What the examiner evaluates

The examiner will assess:

• Your current respiratory symptoms and their severity
• Pulmonary function test results — FEV-1, FVC, FEV-1/FVC ratio, and DLCO
• Whether you require medications, inhalers, or supplemental oxygen
• Impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities
• Imaging results (CT scan, chest X-ray)
• History of respiratory infections or acute episodes

How to prepare

1. Do not use your inhaler or bronchodilator before the exam unless medically necessary. The VA rates respiratory conditions based on pre-bronchodilator PFT results when those results more accurately reflect your disability. Using your inhaler right before testing may produce artificially improved numbers.
2. Describe your worst days. If you have days where you can barely walk across the room, tell the examiner about those days — not just the days you feel okay.
3. Bring documentation of your burn pit exposure. Photos from deployment, the VA Burn Pit Registry confirmation, buddy statements about conditions at your base.
4. List all respiratory symptoms. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, reduced exercise tolerance, sleep disruption from breathing problems, frequency of respiratory infections.
5. Be honest about limitations. If you can no longer exercise, play with your kids, or do your job because of breathing problems, say so clearly.

Common mistakes

• Using your inhaler or bronchodilator immediately before PFT testing, which can mask the true severity of your condition
• Not mentioning that your breathing problems have worsened over time (burn pit conditions are often progressive)
• Failing to connect your symptoms to your deployment and burn pit exposure
• Not reporting how respiratory limitations affect your employment

Common secondary conditions linked to burn pit lung disease

Burn pit exposure and the resulting respiratory disease frequently cause or aggravate other conditions. These can be claimed as secondary service-connected disabilities:

• Sleep apnea — Chronic respiratory inflammation and airway damage from burn pit exposure are linked to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. Difficulty breathing during sleep is a common complaint among burn pit veterans.
• Depression — The chronic nature of burn pit lung disease, combined with the physical limitations it imposes, frequently leads to depression and other mental health conditions. Loss of ability to exercise, work, and participate in activities contributes to depressive symptoms.
• Sinusitis — Upper airway damage from inhaling burn pit toxins commonly causes chronic sinusitis, with ongoing nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and recurring sinus infections.

How to calculate your monthly payment

Your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions, not just burn pit lung disease alone. Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with multiple conditions
• See how VA math combines ratings differently than simple addition
• Estimate your monthly payment including dependents

For the full breakdown of payment amounts at every rating level, see our 2026 VA disability pay rates page.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance on your VA disability claim, consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. You can find accredited representatives at VA.gov.