Rhinitis VA Rating Guide for Veterans

Getting the proper rhinitis VA rating can make a significant difference in your monthly compensation and access to VA benefits. 

Whether you suffer from allergic, bacterial, or granulomatous rhinitis, understanding how the VA assigns ratings based on severity, obstruction, and related complications is essential to securing the benefits you rightfully deserve. 

This post explains the types of rhinitis, how VA ratings are determined, what you must show to establish service connection, and why a nexus letter may be crucial for approval.

Key Takeaways

• The VA rates rhinitis under diagnostic codes 6522, 6523, and 6524, with ratings ranging from 10% to 100%, depending on the type of rhinitis and severity of symptoms.

• Chronic rhinitis is considered a presumptive condition under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits and airborne hazards. 

• To be eligible for a rhinitis VA rating, you must have a current diagnosis, evidence of an in-service injury or illness, and a medical nexus connecting your condition to your military service. 

What is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis happens when your body reacts in a way that leads to nasal congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, and itching.  

In many cases, it’s caused by inflammation and can also bring on symptoms in your eyes, ears, or throat. 

There are a few different types of rhinitis, including: 

• Acute rhinitis: Often linked to viral illnesses like the common cold 

• Allergic or seasonal rhinitis: Triggered by allergens such as pollen 

• Nonallergic (year-round) rhinitis: Caused by irritants not related to allergies 

With allergic rhinitis, allergens in the air trigger your immune system to release histamine. Histamine is what causes the itching, swelling, and fluid buildup in the nasal passages, sinuses, and even the eyelids. 

Did you know? Chronic rhinitis means your symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, and it can apply to any type of rhinitis. 

How the VA Rates Rhinitis

If you’re dealing with rhinitis, the VA assigns disability ratings based on the type and severity of your condition.  

Each form of rhinitis has its own diagnostic code in the VA’s rating schedule, which determines how your symptoms translate into a percentage rating and monthly compensation. 

If eligible, you may receive a rhinitis VA rating for one of the following conditions: 

• Allergic or Vasomotor Rhinitis (Diagnostic Code 6522) 

• Bacterial Rhinitis (Diagnostic Code 6523) 

• Granulomatous Rhinitis (Diagnostic Code 6524) 

Allergic Rhinitis VA Ratings

Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, resulting in symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes. It’s one of the most common types of rhinitis and can affect you seasonally or year-round. 

An allergic rhinitis VA rating is based on the presence of polyps and the degree of obstruction in your nasal passages. 

• 30% VA Rating: With polyps 

• 10% VA Rating: Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side 

Bacterial Rhinitis VA Ratings

Bacterial rhinitis is a type of rhinitis caused by a bacterial infection in the nasal passages.  

It’s much less common than viral or allergic rhinitis, but when it does occur, it usually develops as a complication after a viral upper respiratory infection (like a cold). 

You may get a VA rating for bacterial rhinitis if your turbinates (nasal passage bones) are permanently enlarged and block your nose. A higher rating may apply if you have a current diagnosis of rhinoscleroma. 

• 50% VA Rating: Rhinoscleroma 

• 10% VA Rating: With permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side 

Granulomatous Rhinitis VA Ratings

Granulomatous rhinitis is a chronic condition where inflammation in the nasal passages leads to the formation of granulomas (small lumps of immune cells).  

It’s often linked to infections, autoimmune disorders, or long-term irritation and can cause persistent congestion, discharge, and tissue damage in the nose. 

A granulomatous rhinitis VA rating is highest if you have serious conditions like Wegener’s granulomatosis or lethal midline granuloma. Milder types of granulomatous infections are rated lower. 

• 100% VA Rating: Wegener’s granulomatosis, lethal midline granuloma 

• 20% VA Rating: Other types of granulomatous infection 

Note: The VA rating system lists “Wegener’s granulomatosis,” but it’s now referred to as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). 

Establishing Service Connection

To prove service connection, you must provide evidence of the following: 

• A current medical diagnosis of rhinitis 

• An in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness 

• A medical nexus (link) between your current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness (e.g., a nexus letter)

How a Nexus Letter Can Strengthen Your VA Claim

A nexus letter is a medical document connecting your current diagnosis to a specific event, injury, or exposure during your military service. 

For rhinitis, a nexus letter can be crucial in establishing service connection, especially if your initial claim was denied or your condition is secondary to another service-connected disability. 

While the VA doesn’t require a nexus letter, it may significantly strengthen your case by providing solid medical evidence and a clear link to your service. 

The experienced professionals at Telemedica can provide a well-crafted nexus letter for rhinitis.

How to File a VA Claim for Rhinitis

You must file a VA claim using VA Form 21-526EZ to be eligible for a rhinitis VA rating. 

You can file a VA claim:   

• Online 

• By mail   

• Via fax  

• In person at a VA regional office 

If you’re filing a paper VA disability claim, it’s smart to submit an Intent to File first. This protects your effective date while you gather evidence, which may result in back pay.  

Filing online? You don’t need an intent to file; the system automatically locks in your effective date once you start your application.

C&P Exam for Rhinitis

To be eligible for a rhinitis VA rating, you may be required to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. 

At your rhinitis C&P exam, the examiner’s job is to confirm your current diagnosis, decide if it’s connected to your military service, and evaluate how severe your symptoms are.  

You can expect them to review your medical records, ask questions about your symptoms and triggers, and perform a physical exam of your nose, throat, and eyes.  

They may also assess how your condition affects your daily life and work, and in some cases, order breathing or allergy tests.  

The examiner will record all findings in the VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for rhinitis. 

Chronic Rhinitis PACT Act Benefits

If you were exposed to burn pits or other airborne hazards during service and now live with chronic rhinitis, the PACT Act may be your path to VA disability benefits. 

The PACT Act added chronic rhinitis to the list of presumptive conditions for eligible veterans. 

This means the VA automatically assumes your chronic rhinitis is connected to your service if you meet the criteria below. 

Qualifications

To be eligible for benefits under the PACT Act for chronic rhinitis, you must have: 

1. A current diagnosis of chronic rhinitis from a licensed healthcare provider 

2. Service in one of the following qualifying locations and timeframes (below): 

On or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations: 

• Afghanistan 

• Djibouti 

• Egypt 

• Jordan 

• Lebanon 

• Syria 

• Uzbekistan 

• Yemen

• The airspace above any of these locations 

On or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations: 

• Bahrain 

• Iraq 

• Kuwait 

• Oman 

• Qatar 

• Saudi Arabia 

• Somalia 

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) 

• The airspace above any of these locations 

3. An honorable or other qualifying discharge from active-duty service.

VA Secondary Conditions to Rhinitis

Rhinitis can do more than cause congestion; it may also lead to secondary conditions.  

If your rhinitis contributes to another disability, you may qualify for a secondary service connection and a higher VA rating. 

Examples of secondary conditions to rhinitis include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Allergic Conjunctivitis 

• Asthma 

• Major Depressive Disorder 

• Eczema 

• Sinusitis 

>>View Our Main Guide on Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis 

Conclusion 

Rhinitis can cause long-term symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, and daily life.  

The VA offers disability ratings for different types of rhinitis, but your chances of approval generally depend on solid evidence. 

By carefully documenting your symptoms, treatments, and their impact over time, you provide the VA with a clearer picture of your condition, which in turn strengthens your case for the rating and compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied? 

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims! 

Schedule your 20-minute consultation, get answers for your service-connected disability, and start on your path to well-being. 

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VA rating for rhinitis?

Rhinitis is rated under diagnostic codes 6522–6524, depending on whether it’s allergic, bacterial, or granulomatous. Rhinitis ratings range from 10% to 100%.

What is the chronic rhinitis VA rating?

Chronic rhinitis refers to rhinitis that has lasted for 12 weeks or more. Chronic rhinitis isn’t listed as its own code. Instead, the VA assigns a rating based on the specific type of chronic rhinitis you have, such as allergic, bacterial, or granulomatous. Generally, ratings for rhinitis range from 10% to 100%. 

Is rhinitis part of the PACT Act?

Yes. Chronic rhinitis is now recognized as a VA presumptive condition under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards. 

Can you receive a 100% VA disability rating for rhinitis?

Possibly. The highest VA rating for Granulomatous rhinitis is 100% when the condition involves serious diseases such as Wegener’s granulomatosis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis) or lethal midline granuloma.  

If eligible, you may also qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate, even if your combined rating is less than 100%. 

Can rhinitis be a secondary condition?

Yes. Rhinitis can be considered a secondary condition if it develops or worsens because of another service-connected disability, such as sinusitis or asthma. Secondary service connections may increase your overall VA rating. 

Do I need a nexus letter for rhinitis?

Although not required by the VA, a nexus letter may strengthen your claim by clearly linking your current diagnosis to your military service. Additionally, a nexus letter for service connecting rhinitis as a secondary condition is highly recommended.