How the VA Rates COVID-19 and Long COVID
The VA does not assign a single rating for COVID-19 itself. Instead, it rates each residual condition left behind by COVID-19 as a separate disability. The PACT Act, signed into law on August 10, 2022, established COVID-19 as a presumptive condition for veterans who served in certain periods, making it easier to establish service connection for the underlying illness and its residuals.
The PACT Act and COVID-19 Presumptive Service Connection
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act expanded presumptive service connection for veterans exposed to toxic substances — including COVID-19 as a qualifying illness for some veterans.
- Veterans who contracted COVID-19 during active duty or training may qualify for presumptive service connection without proving a specific exposure event.
- Long COVID (Post-COVID Condition, ICD-10 U09.9) residuals are eligible for separate ratings when they persist beyond the acute infection phase.
- Even if you do not qualify for a disability rating, the PACT Act expanded VA health care enrollment eligibility — veterans can enroll for COVID-related care without a rating.
What Is Long COVID and How Does the VA Evaluate It
Long COVID is a set of persistent symptoms lasting 12 or more weeks after an initial COVID-19 infection. The VA evaluates Long COVID by rating each lingering condition under its closest existing diagnostic code.
The most common Long COVID residuals and their VA rating codes are:
- Respiratory residuals (DC 6600 — bronchitis, chronic; DC 6604 — COPD; DC 6847 — sleep apnea): Rated by FEV1 percentage, exercise tolerance, or oxygen requirements. A 30% rating applies when FEV1 is 56–70% of predicted. A 60% rating applies when FEV1 is 40–55%.
- Cognitive dysfunction / brain fog (DC 9304 — cognitive impairment due to vascular or unknown cause; DC 9400 — generalized anxiety disorder): Rated on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and frequency of symptoms. Rated 30–70% depending on occupational and social impairment.
- Chronic fatigue (DC 6354 — Chronic Fatigue Syndrome): Rated at 10% (incapacitating episodes under 1 week/year), 20% (1–2 weeks/year), 40% (2–4 weeks/year), or 60% (4+ weeks/year).
- Cardiovascular complications (DC 7000–7020 — heart conditions; DC 7101 — hypertension): Rated by EF percentage, symptom frequency, and exercise tolerance.
- Joint pain / arthralgia: Rated under the applicable musculoskeletal diagnostic code for the affected joint.
- Depression and anxiety: Rated under DC 9434 (major depressive disorder) or DC 9400 (GAD) using the mental health rating criteria (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%).
How to Establish Service Connection for COVID-19
To file a successful COVID-19 claim, you need three elements: a current diagnosis, an in-service event, and a nexus linking the two.
- Current diagnosis: A physician diagnosis of Long COVID (U09.9) or specific residual conditions (e.g., COPD, depression, chronic fatigue).
- In-service event: Documentation that you were on active duty or training during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–present). Deployment orders, mobilization records, or unit history reports confirm this.
- Nexus: Medical evidence connecting your current condition to COVID-19 contracted during service. A nexus letter from your treating physician is the strongest form of this evidence.
Filing for Each Residual Separately
Because the VA rates each Long COVID residual under its own diagnostic code, you must list each condition as a separate claim on your VA Form 21-526EZ or supplemental claim form.
- Do not file one claim labeled "COVID-19." Instead, file for: "chronic fatigue secondary to COVID-19," "depression secondary to COVID-19," "shortness of breath / reduced lung capacity secondary to COVID-19," etc.
- Each separate rating is then combined using the VA's combined ratings table to produce your overall disability percentage.
- Use a nexus letter for each residual that ties it to the COVID-19 illness contracted during service.
Evidence to Gather Before Filing
Strong documentary evidence makes the difference between a granted and denied COVID claim.
- Positive COVID-19 test records from active duty or shortly after discharge.
- Medical records showing persistent residual symptoms (pulmonary function tests, neurocognitive testing, cardiology notes, psychiatry notes).
- Nexus letters from treating physicians for each residual condition.
- Personal statement describing how your symptoms have changed your ability to work, exercise, sleep, and perform daily tasks since COVID.
- Buddy statements from fellow servicemembers or family members who witnessed your health decline.
2026 Compensation Rates for Common Long COVID Ratings
Your monthly VA compensation depends on your combined rating. Common single-condition Long COVID residual ratings and their 2026 monthly amounts include:
- 10% (mild fatigue or mild respiratory residual): $175.51/month
- 30% (moderate cognitive impairment or moderate respiratory): $538.37/month
- 50% (significant occupational and social impairment): $1,075.16/month
- 70% (frequent incapacitation or severe impairment): $1,759.05/month
Use our VA disability rating calculator to combine your Long COVID residuals with your other service-connected conditions. For a full explanation of the PACT Act and its benefits, see our PACT Act explained guide, or browse all rated conditions at VA disability.