★ Rating percentages & 2026 pay
VA Rating for COPD
38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6604
Every percentage, and what it pays in 2026
| Rating | 2026 monthly | What that level generally requires |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180/mo | FEV-1 of 71–80% predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 71–80%; or DLCO of 66–80% predicted. |
| 30% | $552/mo | FEV-1 of 56–70% predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 56–70%; or DLCO of 56–65% predicted. |
| 60% | $1,435/mo | FEV-1 of 40–55%; or FEV-1/FVC of 40–55%; or DLCO of 40–55%; or maximum exercise capacity of 15–20 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption. |
| 100% | $3,939/mo | FEV-1 less than 40%; or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%; or DLCO less than 40%; or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min; or cor pulmonale; or right ventricular hypertrophy; or requires outpatient oxygen therapy. |
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6604. Rates are the published 2026 schedule (effective December 1, 2025, 2.8% COLA) and are shown for reference only — they are not an estimate of what any individual claim will pay. 10% and 20% pay a flat amount with no dependent increase.
What it adds to your existing rating
Combine it with your current rating
VA does not add ratings together — it combines them on a "whole person" basis under 38 CFR § 4.25, then rounds to the nearest 10.
Illustrative math on the published 2026 rate schedule for a veteran with no dependents. It is not a prediction, an estimate of your claim, or a statement that any rating is achievable.
Why a rating lands lower than the records suggest
- The exam captured a good day. Ratings are built from what the C&P examiner recorded. If flare-ups, fatigue, or repeated-use loss were not documented, they were not rated — 38 CFR § 4.40 and § 4.45 require them to be considered when they are in the record.
- The criteria were read as a checklist. Under 38 CFR § 4.7, when the disability picture more nearly approximates the higher level, the higher level applies. A partially-met tier is not automatically the lower tier.
- Secondary conditions were never claimed. A separately ratable secondary condition adds to the combined rating; it does not raise this diagnostic code's percentage.
- Pyramiding was applied too broadly. 38 CFR § 4.14 bars rating the same symptom twice — it does not bar rating distinct manifestations under different codes.
For the full evidence checklist, C&P exam detail, and secondary pathways, read the complete COPD claim guide.
Common questions
What is the highest VA rating for COPD?
The schedular maximum under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6604 is 100%. A higher combined rating is possible when other service-connected conditions, secondary conditions, or an extraschedular or TDIU pathway apply, but those are separate determinations.
How much does a 100% rating pay in 2026?
$3,939 per month for a veteran with no dependents, under the rate schedule effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA). Ratings of 30% and above increase with dependents.
Can COPD be rated at 0%?
Yes. VA can grant service connection and assign a noncompensable (0%) rating when the condition is established but the findings do not meet the criteria for a compensable level. A 0% rating still preserves the effective date and can be increased later if the condition worsens.
Are pre- or post-bronchodilator PFTs used?
Post-bronchodilator values are the standard for VA rating decisions per 38 CFR § 4.96(d).
Think your COPD rating is too low?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. No fee unless past-due benefits are awarded on an appeal.
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.