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CLAIM RECON INTEL
Chronic Frontal Sinusitis
Diagnostic Code
DC 6512
38 C.F.R. § 4.97
Rating Range
0–50%
4 severity tiers
Source
Verified
38 C.F.R. § 4.97
Chronic Frontal Sinusitis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6512 of 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512 across 4 severity tiers (50% / 30% / 10% / 0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
Overview
Chronic inflammation of the frontal sinuses above the eyes causing headaches and forehead pain
Rating Criteria
50%
Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries
30%
Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting
10%
One or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting
0%
Detected by X-ray only
Key Evidence
—Pulmonary function test (PFT) report with FEV-1, FEV-1/FVC, and DLCO, including post-bronchodilator values
—Pulmonology treatment records and the diagnosis confirming the respiratory condition
—Documentation of outpatient oxygen therapy, if required
—Records of systemic corticosteroid courses and physician visits for exacerbations (asthma)
—Hospital/ER records for any episode of acute respiratory failure
—Complete list of inhalers, nebulizers, and respiratory medications
C&P Exam Tips
1Most lung ratings turn on pulmonary function tests (38 CFR 4.97) - request a PFT measuring FEV-1, the FEV-1/FVC ratio, and DLCO.
2Under 38 CFR 4.96, post-bronchodilator values are used for rating - make sure your PFT includes the post-bronchodilator results.
3If a test result differs from how you actually function, the examiner can rely on the test that best reflects your disability - explain your real-world breathing limits.
4For asthma, the frequency of systemic corticosteroid courses and physician visits for exacerbations can drive the rating - document every steroid burst and exacerbation visit.
5If you require outpatient oxygen therapy, say so plainly - it supports a 100% evaluation regardless of PFT numbers.
6Report your worst days and how shortness of breath limits work, walking, and daily activity; bring your inhaler/oxygen equipment list.
Tools
Sources & Editorial
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 (Respiratory system). Source verified 2026-06-04 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
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EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026