This reference uses VA rating codes. For a code from a medical record, check ICD-10-CM and the service date. A clinical code alone does not establish a VA rating or a matching VA diagnostic code.
Bronchiectasis
Respiratory · 38 CFR § 4.97
Diagnostic Code 6601 is the VASRD entry for Bronchiectasis. VA applies the controlling criteria, shared formulas, and special instructions shown in 38 CFR Part 4. VMC presents this material for education and reference; it does not determine a Veteran's diagnosis, service connection, or evaluation.
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Source-verified VASRD criteria
How VA rates this diagnostic code
These percentages summarize the regulatory criteria already mapped to this diagnostic code. They do not predict a Veteran's individual evaluation or establish service connection.
With incapacitating episodes of infection of at least six weeks total duration per year
With incapacitating episodes of infection of four to six weeks total duration per year, or; near constant findings of cough with purulent sputum associated with anorexia, weight loss, and frank hemoptysis and requiring antibiotic usage almost continuously
With incapacitating episodes of infection of two to four weeks total duration per year, or; daily productive cough with sputum that is at times purulent or blood-tinged and that requires prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic usage more than twice a year
Intermittent productive cough with acute infection requiring a course of antibiotics at least twice a year
Rate-under relationships
Rate under / reference DC 6600
Or rate according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic bronchitis (DC 6600)
Special rating instructions
- Or rate according to pulmonary impairment as for chronic bronchitis (DC 6600).
Regulatory notes
- Note: An incapacitating episode is one that requires bedrest and treatment by a physician.
Body system and anatomy metadata
Body system: Respiratory
Anatomy / region tags: respiratory system
These tags support discovery and body-map compatibility. They do not establish Veteran-specific laterality or entitlement.
Official VA DBQ references
DBQ catalog: va-dbq-2026.09.16 · Retrieved 2026-09-16. Official VA inventory ↗
- Ear (including Vestibular and Infectious) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Ear, Nose, Throat
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Loss of Sense of Smell and or Taste ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Ear, Nose, Throat
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Sinusitis, Rhinitis and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx and Pharynx ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Ear, Nose, Throat
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Respiratory Conditions (other than tuberculosis and sleep apnea) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Respiratory
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Sleep Apnea ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Respiratory
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
VA maintains some examination forms that are not available for public use. VMC does not infer a one-code-to-one-DBQ relationship.
Evidence information
When reviewing the criteria, useful evidence categories can include diagnosis and treatment records, objective testing identified by the schedule, documented frequency/duration/severity when the criteria use those concepts, and functional effects described in medical or lay evidence. The relevant evidence depends on the actual claim and medical facts.
VMC does not diagnose conditions, guarantee a percentage, or advise anyone to exaggerate symptoms.
Related diagnostic codes
Legal basis and source identification
38 CFR § 4.97 · Source current through 2026-08-06 · Verified 2026-08-10
Registry content release: vasrd-registry-2026.08.1