Sinusitis VA Ratings and Service Connection

Sinusitis might sound like a run-of-the-mill viral infection—and in its acute, viral form, it is. But when bacteria are at the root of the infection, it can become a chronic condition.  

If you’re a veteran who has a current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis and can prove that it’s caused by or aggravated by your military service, or you can meet the presumptive criteria, you might be eligible for a sinusitis VA rating. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the symptoms of sinusitis, the chronic sinusitis VA rating, and how to prove service connection.

Key Takeaways

• The VA rates a current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis from 0% to 50%, depending on the severity of symptoms and recurrence of episodes. 

• Symptoms of sinusitis include pain or pressure in the face, ears, or teeth; stuffy nose; cough; fever; and more. 

• Under the PACT Act, chronic sinusitis is considered a presumptive condition for veterans who served in certain combat zones and qualifying time periods. 

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an irritation of the sinuses caused by a virus or bacterial infection. The sinuses, which are normally filled with air, instead fill with fluid, causing pressure and pain in the face and nasal passages.  

In its acute form (symptoms lasting less than four weeks), sinusitis is often treatable with antibiotics. However, it can become a chronic condition, with symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks and recurring multiple times per year.  

Signs and Symptoms

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the signs and symptoms of sinusitis are:  

Sinusitis VA Ratings

Chronic sinusitis VA ratings are 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50%, depending on the persistence and severity of symptoms.  

The VA has five diagnostic codes (DC 6510-6514) for sinusitis, depending on which and how many of the four sinus cavities are impacted, but they all follow the same general rating formula.

Note: An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician. 

The Importance of Strong Medical Evidence

The VA’s decision is based heavily on the medical evidence you provide. Some of the documents you can submit include:  

• Clinical notes documenting symptoms and functional impact 

• X-rays or other medical imaging 

• A credible Nexus Letter or DBQ 

• C&P exam findings

Establishing Service Connection for Sinusitis

Direct Service Connection: You can claim direct service connection if you have a current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis and can prove a link to an in-service event, injury, or disease related to your military service. 

Secondary Service Connection: You can claim secondary service connection if you can be rated for sinusitis secondary to another rated condition, such as deviated septum or asthma.

Presumptive Sinusitis VA Rating: PACT Act

Under the PACT Act, signed in 2022 to expand health care to veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic chemicals, chronic sinusitis is considered a presumptive condition for Gulf War-era and post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations and time periods. 

A presumptive condition doesn’t require an in-service event connecting your current diagnosis to your time in service; you only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption. 

If you’re a Gulf War-era or post-9/11 veteran who served in qualifying locations and time periods, chronic sinusitis is a presumptive condition. That means the VA assumes (or “presumes”) your condition is linked to your time in service, as long as you meet the service criteria: 

• You served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, or 

• You deployed in support of the Global War on Terror, or 

• You were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service at home or abroad.

Sinusitis as a Secondary Condition (Sinusitis is Secondary to Another VA-Rated Condition)

Sinusitis can be granted secondary service connection if it is caused or aggravated by another service-connected disability. In this case, sinusitis is the secondary condition, and the VA evaluates how your already service-connected condition led to chronic sinus inflammation.

Conditions That Can Lead to Sinusitis (Sinusitis as Secondary):

• Deviated septum (rated under DC 6502): A deviated septum can obstruct airflow and lead to recurring sinus infections, making sinusitis eligible as a secondary condition.
• Allergic rhinitis or chronic rhinitis (rated under DC 6522): Ongoing nasal inflammation can develop into chronic sinusitis over time.
• Asthma or respiratory conditions: Chronic airway inflammation can contribute to sinus blockages and bacterial buildup.

If your sinusitis developed due to another service-connected condition, you may be eligible to file for sinusitis secondary to that condition.

Secondary Conditions Caused by Sinusitis

Once sinusitis is service-connected, you may also qualify for secondary ratings for conditions that stem from sinusitis.

Conditions That May Be Secondary to Sinusitis:

• Allergic rhinitis worsening due to chronic sinus inflammation
• Nasal polyps caused by persistent inflammation from sinusitis
• Asthma flare-ups linked to sinus and airway infections (post-nasal drip and chronic inflammation can aggravate asthma)
• Chronic headaches or migraines due to sinus pressure and congestion — headaches can be rated separately under DC 8100.
• Sleep disturbance or sleep apnea aggravation — sinus blockage can worsen airflow issues.
• Upper respiratory infections or chronic bronchitis from prolonged mucus drainage

Important Note: You can receive separate ratings for both sinusitis and its secondary effects as long as those secondary conditions produce distinct symptoms that are not already compensated under your primary sinusitis rating (to avoid pyramiding under 38 CFR § 4.14).

Why a Nexus Letter Matters for Secondary Service Connection

While the VA doesn’t require a nexus letter for secondary conditions, it’s one of the most influential pieces of evidence you can submit—especially when the link between conditions isn’t clearly documented in your medical records.

To win secondary service connection, you must show that your new condition is either caused by or permanently aggravated by an already service-connected disability. That’s where a nexus letter becomes critical.

A strong nexus letter for a secondary condition will:

• Explain medical causation — clearly outlines how your service-connected condition led to or worsened your secondary condition.
• Provide expert support — adds credibility to your claim because it comes from a qualified medical professional.
• Fill gaps in your record — if the VA questions the connection or medical evidence is limited, a nexus letter often serves as the missing link for approval.

C&P Exam for Sinusitis

If the VA schedules a compensation and pension (C&P) exam, it means that they require additional medical documentation to decide your claim. It’s crucial to attend and be honest during this exam. 

During the exam, you can expect to discuss your medical records, symptoms, impact on your daily functioning, and other lifestyle questions.  

Conclusion

Chronic sinusitis can be rated from 0% to 50%, depending on the persistence and severity of symptoms. If you’re a veteran with a current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis and can prove that it’s caused by or aggravated by your military service, or you meet the presumptive criteria, you should get the VA disability compensation and benefits you have earned.

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

Can you get a VA rating for sinusitis?

Yes, you can get a VA rating for chronic sinusitis under the diagnostic codes (DCs) 6510-6514 for sinusitis, depending on which and how many of the four sinus cavities are impacted, but they all follow the same general rating formula. Chronic sinusitis can be rated from 0% to 50%, depending on the persistence and severity of symptoms.

What is the highest VA rating for sinusitis?

The highest possible VA disability rating for sinusitis is 50%. 

Is it hard to get VA disability for sinusitis?

Getting a VA rating for sinusitis isn’t necessarily hard, but it is dependent upon your ability to obtain a current medical diagnosis of chronic sinusitis, and either prove the connection between the condition and your service (a nexus) or meet the criteria for presumptive connection. 

What to say at a C&P exam for sinusitis?

In a C&P exam for sinusitis, you should be honest with your medical professional about your symptoms, their functional limitations on your daily life, and sharing your medical and service records. 

How to prove sinusitis for a VA disability rating?

Proving chronic sinusitis for a VA disability requires medical records, service records, and either a nexus (link) between your service and your condition or meeting the service criteria for a presumptive condition. 

What are the symptoms of sinusitis for the VA?

The symptoms of sinusitis are postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat), runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus, stuffy nose, facial pressure (particularly around your nose, eyes and forehead). This might get worse when you move your head around or bend over, pressure or pain in your teeth, ear pressure or pain, fever, bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in your mouth, cough, headache, and tiredness.