★ Respiratory
Constrictive Bronchiolitis (Burn Pit) VA Rating
PACT Act presumptive (38 CFR § 3.320); rated under 38 CFR § 4.97
Overview
Constrictive bronchiolitis is one of the most under-diagnosed PACT Act presumptive conditions.
Standard PFTs (FEV-1, FVC) often look normal even with significant disease — high-resolution CT and surgical lung biopsy are usually required to confirm diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, rated by analogy under the respiratory schedule (DC 6602 or 6604).
How to Establish Service Connection
- Presumptive for veterans with qualifying burn pit / airborne hazard exposure under the PACT Act.
- Eligible service: Post-9/11 deployment to qualifying locations (Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, UAE, Yemen, and others).
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from PACT Act presumptive (38 CFR § 3.320); rated under 38 CFR § 4.97
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10–100% | Rated by analogy under the respiratory schedule based on PFT values, medication requirements, and exacerbation frequency. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Burn pit registry enrollment.
- High-resolution CT scan or surgical lung biopsy.
- PFT (even if normal — establishes baseline).
- Deployment records confirming PACT Act eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
Have a Constrictive Bronchiolitis (Burn Pit) claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.