EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Deviated Septum VA Disability Rating
DC 6502 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.7
OVERVIEW
Deviated septum (DC 6502) rates 10% for 50% obstruction both sides or complete obstruction one side. Commonly from in-service nasal trauma.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% -- FEV-1 <40% predicted
FEV-1 less than 40% of predicted, or FEV-1/FVC less than 40%, or more than one attack per week with respiratory failure.
60% -- FEV-1 40-55%
FEV-1 40-55% of predicted, or monthly physician visits for exacerbations, or intermittent systemic corticosteroids.
30% -- FEV-1 56-70%
FEV-1 56-70% of predicted, or daily inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.
10% -- FEV-1 71-80%
FEV-1 71-80% of predicted, or intermittent inhalational or oral bronchodilator therapy.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026