Respiratory claims are rising as the exposures of the last two decades are better understood. Veterans who deployed to the Middle East in particular should have any persistent respiratory symptom properly investigated rather than accepted as normal.
Why it shows up in veterans
Burn-pit smoke, diesel exhaust, dust storms, weapons and vehicle fumes, paints and solvents in trade roles, and the respiratory infections that circulate in barracks and on ships all feature. Physical exertion in cold or polluted air is a further trigger.
What the Statement of Principles requires
DVA measures every claim against a Statement of Principles (SoP) — a legally binding instrument setting out the only factors that can connect a condition to service. These are the pathways that most often apply, in plain language; the full instrument is linked below.
Inhaled irritant exposure
Exposure to specified respiratory irritants — smoke, fumes, dusts and vapours — at defined levels before clinical onset or worsening.
Respiratory infection
Certain infections before onset are listed factors.
Occupational sensitising agents
Exposure to specified sensitising agents, relevant to a number of trade roles.
Inability to obtain appropriate clinical management
Where symptoms went uninvestigated or untreated during service.
This is the plain-English version. Read every factor of the Asthma Statement of Principles exactly as the Repatriation Medical Authority wrote it.
How DVA approaches the impairment assessment
Spirometry is central: it confirms the diagnosis, demonstrates reversibility and grades severity. Impairment follows lung function, medication requirements, exacerbation frequency and exercise limitation.
The evidence that decides it
Most initial liability decisions currently take DVA around 145 days on average, and roughly a third of that is the Department waiting on information. Lodging complete is the single biggest thing within your control.
- Spirometry with reversibility testing
- GP or respiratory physician reports
- Deployment and posting history establishing the exposures
- Medication history, including preventer and reliever use
Questions veterans ask about Asthma
I had childhood asthma that came back. Is that claimable?
Potentially, as aggravation. Where service exposures materially worsened a pre-existing condition, the SoP provides for that.
I deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Does that matter?
Yes. Burn-pit and dust exposures in those theatres are a recognised respiratory risk and should be documented carefully in the claim.
Related conditions
Chronic respiratory conditions frequently coexist and should be assessed together.
Ready to look into a Asthma claim?
Book a no-obligation consult and we will go through whether your circumstances meet the SoP factors, what evidence would strengthen your case, and what to expect next.
This page is general information, not medical, legal, or financial advice. Statement of Principles factors, thresholds, and program details are current as at the update date above but can change — always confirm against your own determination letter and the current SoP instrument. For medical concerns, speak with a qualified health professional; for legal advice, a solicitor experienced in military compensation law.
