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. In some circumstances, veterans are even entitled to a presumption that their asthma is service-connected.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes symptoms such as:

Difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Coughing, especially at night or in the morning
Tightness in the chest
Difficulty sleeping

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:

Control medications, such as inhaled steroids
Rescue medications to quickly relax airway muscles when an attack is coming on
Avoidance of triggers, including allergy shots or medications for some people
Other medications that act to interrupt the inflammation process

It is also important for someone who has asthma to understand their triggers and warning signs and have a plan for avoiding and managing asthma attacks.

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

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, since the enactment of the PACT Act in 2022, asthma is presumed service-connected for veterans who served in certain areas during specific times. For example:

Those who served in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the UAE and the airspace above these areas on or after August 2, 1990, and
Those who served in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan,Yemen and the airspace above these areas on or after September 11, 2001

How the VA Rates 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%.

Medical Evidence to Establish VA Rating for Asthma

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.

Asthma VA Rating Schedule

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

VA Disability for Asthma – Benefits

The benefits a veteran can receive for service-connected asthma vary greatly depending on the VA disability rating assigned. Here are the benefits a veteran rated on the schedule above can expect in 2025:

At a 10% VA disability rating, the veteran will receive $175.51/month in monetary benefits and medical care for the service-connected condition.
At a 30% VA disability rating, the veteran will receive $537.42/month in monetary benefits, and this amount is increased slightly for each eligible dependent. Medical coverage is provided for the service-connected condition.
At a 60% VA disability rating the monthly monetary benefit is $1,395.93, with increases for each eligible dependent. At this level, the veteran also receives more comprehensive healthcare benefits.
At a 100% VA disability rating, the monthly monetary benefit is $3,831.30 with increases for each eligible dependent, and comprehensive healthcare benefits. If the rating is considered permanent, additional benefits are available for certain dependents.

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TDIU Due to Asthma

If a veteran has a 60% VA disability rating for asthma and is deemed unable to work due to their condition, they may be assigned a TDIU classification–total disability due to individual unemployability. When a veteran receives a TDIU classification, they receive benefits as if they had been rated at 100%.

How the VA Rates Asthma with Other Conditions

If a veteran suffers from more than one service-connected condition, the VA assigns a rating for each condition and then applies a formula to reach a combined rating. A veteran with a combined rating of at least 70% may also qualify for TDIU classification, if at least one condition is rated at 40% or higher.

Getting Help with Your VA Disability Claim for Asthma

A successful VA disability claim for asthma requires very specific evidence. An experienced VA disability benefits advocate can help ensure that you are providing the documentation the VA needs to assign the highest possible rating.

Whether you’re just starting your claim or have been denied VA disability and want to appeal, Disabled Vets can help. To learn more, call us today at 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form HERE.