VA Disability for Asthma

Asthma is a common medical condition in the United States, but it’s even more common among combat veterans. One study determined that service members who served in combat were 24-30% more likely to develop asthma than those who had not been deployed. Veterans with this service-connected condition may qualify for VA disability benefits. 

What is Asthma? 

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and tightness of the chest. Though the condition itself is chronic, symptoms may suddenly worsen in what is known as an “asthma attack.” During an asthma attack, inflammation and muscle constriction make it difficult to take in air. A severe asthma attack can be fatal, so anyone suffering from asthma must have appropriate medical care, usually including 

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Qualifying for VA Disability for Asthma

To receive VA disability benefits for this condition, the veteran must show that they have been diagnosed with the condition and that the condition is service-connected. This usually involves demonstrating that an in-service event or exposure caused the condition. However, asthma is presumed service-connected for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and then diagnosed with asthma post-service and in certain other circumstances.

VA Disability Ratings for Asthma

The VA disability benefits a veteran can receive for service-connected asthma depend on the severity of the condition. The schedule for rating asthma is based on two tests and allows for four possible VA disability ratings: 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100%. 

The two tests the VA relies on in these determinations are: 

• FEV-1: This test measures the volume of air a person can expel in one second after taking a deep breath.
• FVC: This test measures the volume of air a person can exhale after taking a deep breath, regardless of how long that takes.

The FVC test is not used alone to determine eligibility and disability rating. The VA considers FEV-1 independently, and also FEV-1/FVC, which measures the percentage of total air exhaled that is expelled in the first second. 

Here’s how the VA disability ratings for this condition break out: 

• 10% disability rating: FEV-1 at 71-80% of expected value or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 71-80% or intermittent use of breathing medications.
• 30% disability rating: FEV-1 at 56-70% of expected value or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 56-70% or daily use of breathing medications or use of anti-inflammatory medications.
• 60% disability rating: FEV-1 at 40-55% of expected value or FEV-1/FVC ratio of 40-55% or at least monthly medical visits or at least three courses of systemic corticosteroids annually. 
• 100% disability rating: FEV-1 below 40% of expected value or FEV-1/FVC ratio of less than 40% or more than one attack per week with respiratory failure or need for daily use of high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider and a lot of documentation required when filing a VA disability claim for this condition. The best way to ensure that you submit the strongest claim possible is to get help from an experienced advocate. At Disabled Vets, helping veterans like you and their families is all we do. To learn more about how we can help, call 888-373-4722 right now, or fill out our contact form here.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form