Condition Rating Guides
How VA Rates Allergic Rhinitis: DC 6522 Obstruction and Polyps
Allergic rhinitis is evaluated under 38 CFR 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6522, at 10% or 30%. Ratings depend on whether nasal passages are obstructed or if nasal polyps are present.
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Diagnostic Code 6522 rating tiers
The VA evaluates allergic rhinitis (and vasomotor rhinitis) under DC 6522 with two compensable tiers: 10% is assigned for greater than 50% obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, or complete (100%) obstruction on one side; 30% is assigned when nasal polyps are clinically documented, regardless of whether they have been surgically removed in the past if chronic symptoms persist.
PACT Act presumption for rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis is one of the primary presumptive conditions established under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits and airborne hazards. Veterans who served in qualifying Middle East, Southwest Asia, or Horn of Africa operational areas are presumed service-connected upon presenting a medical diagnosis of chronic rhinitis, without proving a direct in-service event.
Combining rhinitis with sinusitis and sleep apnea
Allergic rhinitis frequently coexists with chronic sinusitis (DC 6510-6514) and obstructive sleep apnea (DC 6847). Under 38 CFR 4.14, allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis can be rated separately as distinct diagnoses affecting the upper respiratory tract, provided each meets its own diagnostic criteria without overlapping symptoms.
Medical evidence and DBQ findings
The Respiratory DBQ records whether rhinoscopy or endoscopy reveals nasal polyps, turbinate hypertrophy, or septal deviation, and estimates the exact percentage of airway obstruction in each nostril. Prescription records for daily nasal corticosteroid sprays or antihistamines help confirm chronicity.
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