Getting a VA Rating for Constrictive Bronchiolitis

As a veteran, you may face health problems that impact your daily life. Constrictive bronchiolitis (sometimes called obliterative bronchiolitis) is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult. For many veterans, this condition has been linked to burn pit exposure, dust storms, and other airborne hazards during service. Thanks to the PACT Act, constrictive bronchiolitis is now recognized as a presumptive condition, making it easier to qualify for VA disability benefits. 

In this veterans guide, we’ll explain service connection, how the VA assigns a constrictive bronchiolitis VA rating, and how to get the maximum disability rating.

Constrictive Bronchiolitis in Veterans

Constrictive bronchiolitis is a rare lung disease that affects the smallest airways in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring that narrows or blocks airflow. Unlike asthma or chronic bronchitis, constrictive bronchiolitis is usually progressive and irreversible.

What Causes Constrictive Bronchiolitis?

• Burn pit exposure
• Inhalation of toxic chemicals (sulfur fires, diesel fumes, industrial toxins)
• Prolonged dust and sandstorm exposure
• Severe lung infections during or after service
• Certain medications (such as chemotherapy or anti-inflammatory drugs)

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
• Wheezing
• Chronic coughing
• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Fatigue and exercise intolerance

Eligibility Requirements for VA Disability

To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must have:

• Served in the U.S. military
• Been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable (although a discharge upgrade may be possible)
• Have a current medical condition connected to your military service

How to Service Connect Constrictive Bronchiolitis

Direct Service Connection

This is when the evidence shows that constrictive bronchiolitis began in service or is directly linked to an in-service event, exposure, or injury, such as exposures to:

• Burn pits (common in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southwest Asia)
• Dust and sandstorms common in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southwest Asia
• Sulfur mine fires (e.g., the 2003 Mishraq sulfur fire in Iraq)
• Diesel and JP-8 fuel fumes, chemical spills, and industrial toxins

Evidence needed: 

• Deployment/service records showing you served in high-exposure areas. 
• Medical records showing onset of respiratory issues in or shortly after service. 
• A doctor’s opinion (nexus letter) linking the diagnosis to the exposure, unless the condition is presumptive (see below). 

Presumptive Service Connection 

The Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 expanded presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards. Constrictive bronchiolitis is now recognized as a presumptive condition. 

If you served in one of the listed locations (Southwest Asia, Afghanistan, Iraq, or certain African nations) during the qualifying timeframes, VA will presume service connection if you’re diagnosed with constrictive bronchiolitis. This means you don’t have to prove the nexus (VA automatically assumes the condition is related to service). 

Secondary Service Connection 

Constrictive bronchiolitis can also be service-connected as secondary to another already service-connected disability, such as: 

• Asthma or chronic bronchitis leading to chronic airway inflammation and bronchiolitis 
• GERD (acid reflux) causing aspiration, which worsens lung scarring 
• Chronic sinusitis or rhinitis draining into the lungs and aggravating the condition 

If you don’t benefit from the VA presumption for constrictive bronchiolitis but already have one of these conditions service-connected, you may be able to claim constrictive bronchiolitis as a secondary condition. Learn how to file and win your VA claim from our free guide.

How the VA Rates Constrictive Bronchiolitis

The VA does not current have a specific diagnostic for constrictive bronchiolitis but rates it by analogy to chronic bronchitis (DC 6600) or COPD (DC 6604), with ratings of 10%, 30%, 60% or 100% based on the results of pulmonary function tests and treatment frequency.

• 10% rating – FEV-1 of 71–80% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 71–80%, or DLCO of 66–80% predicted 
• 30% rating – FEV-1 of 56–70% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 56–70%, or DLCO of 56–65% predicted 
• 60% rating – FEV-1 of 40–55% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC of 40–55%, or DLCO of 40–55% predicted, or maximum oxygen consumption of 15–20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limitation) 
• 100% rating – FEV-1 less than 40% predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or DLCO less than 40% predicted, or maximum oxygen consumption less than 15 ml/kg/min, or medical evidence of right-sided heart failure, cor pulmonale, or requirement for oxygen therapy

Getting 100% VA Disability Through TDIU

TDIU allows a veteran who cannot work due to service-connected disabilities to receive compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if their combined schedular rating is less than 100%. For veterans suffering from constrictive bronchiolitis, TDIU can be a path to maximum compensation, since the condition is chronic, progressive, and debilitating because of the irreversible narrowing of the small airways. Veterans often: 

• Can’t tolerate physical exertion (climbing stairs, carrying objects, working outdoors) 
• Struggle with even sedentary work because of coughing fits, shortness of breath or fatigue 
• May require oxygen therapy, which is often inconsistent with most work environments  

If constrictive bronchiolitis prevents you from maintaining steady employment, it may justify TDIU. You should obtain and submit the following evidence: 

• PFT results showing severe impairment
• VA or private doctor’s statement explaining why your illness prevents you from working (a nexus between medical limits and unemployability)
• Employment history documenting job loss or inability to maintain employment due to breathing limitations
• Statements from family, coworkers, or supervisors describing your inability to work  

Many veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis also develop secondary conditions which can raise your combined rating and make TDIU more likely. You may also benefit from the assistance of a TDIU attorney experienced in turning VA denials into approvals. Contact our disability lawyers for a free evaluation – we’ll point you in the right direction even if we don’t take your case. Tell us about your case.

Content Reviewed by

Attorney Rachel Cheek

Rachel Cheek is an attorney at Hill & Ponton dedicated to helping veterans secure the benefits they deserve. A University of Florida graduate, she combines her passion for social justice with legal expertise to serve those most in need.