EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Allergic Rhinitis VA Disability Rating
DC 6522 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.97 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.7
OVERVIEW
Allergic rhinitis is chronic inflammation of the nasal passages causing congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and post-nasal drip. Extremely common in veterans exposed to dust, sand, mold, diesel exhaust, and burn pit smoke. Rated under DC 6522 based on the presence of polyps and degree of obstruction. Often claimed alongside sinusitis and as a secondary condition to burn pit or toxic exposure.
RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)
30% — Allergic rhinitis with polyps
Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis confirmed with nasal polyps present on examination or imaging. Rate under DC 6522.
10% — Without polyps but greater than 50% bilateral nasal obstruction or complete unilateral
Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis without polyps, but with greater than 50% obstruction of nasal passage on both sides OR complete obstruction on one side. Confirmed by physical examination or rhinoscopy.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Allergy testing (skin prick or IgE blood tests) confirming allergic sensitization
-CT scan or nasal endoscopy showing polyps, mucosal thickening, or obstruction
-Service records showing environmental exposure (burn pits, dust, sand, chemical agents)
-Treatment records showing antihistamines, nasal steroids, allergy shots, or surgery
-Documentation of impact on breathing, sleep, and daily activities
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 6847
Chronic nasal obstruction increases upper airway resistance, aggravating obstructive sleep apnea.
DC 6510-6514
Chronic rhinitis frequently leads to recurrent or chronic sinusitis.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The jump from 10% to 30% requires documented polyps. Get a nasal endoscopy or CT scan.
2.Do NOT use nasal spray or decongestants before your exam. The examiner needs to see your baseline obstruction.
3.If you served in Southwest Asia or were exposed to burn pits, register in the VA Burn Pit Registry.
4.Rhinitis is often claimed alongside sinusitis. They are rated under different diagnostic codes and can be combined.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.97, DC 6522 (Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis)
Rating is binary: with polyps = 30%; without polyps but with documented >50% bilateral or complete unilateral obstruction = 10%. Rhinitis without structural obstruction = 0%. Separately rate sinusitis (DCs 6510-6514) if present.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Rhinitis at 30% (with polyps) pays $552.47/mo. More importantly, rhinitis often supports secondary claims for sleep apnea (50%), which is one of the highest-value individual conditions.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026