What rates 0% for Chronic Sinusitis under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514 (DC 6510), a 0% rating for Chronic Sinusitis requires: Detected by X-ray only

What secondary conditions are linked to Chronic Sinusitis?

Common secondary conditions for Chronic Sinusitis include Sleep Apnea, Asthma, Migraines, Bronchitis, Anosmia. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

What happens during a C&P exam for Chronic Sinusitis?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Chronic Sinusitis

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic Sinusitis (DC 6510) is rated at 50%, 30%, 10%, 0% under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514. 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

Q: What rates 50% for Chronic Sinusitis under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514 (DC 6510), a 50% rating for Chronic Sinusitis requires: 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

Q: What rates 30% for Chronic Sinusitis under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514 (DC 6510), a 30% rating for Chronic Sinusitis requires: 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

Q: What rates 10% for Chronic Sinusitis under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514 (DC 6510), a 10% rating for Chronic Sinusitis requires: 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

Q: What evidence do I need for a Chronic Sinusitis VA claim?

Key evidence for a Chronic Sinusitis claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 651038 C.F.R. § 4.97

Diagnostic Code

DC 6510

38 C.F.R. § 4.97

Rating Range

0–50%

4 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.97

Chronic Sinusitis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6510 of 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510-6514 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. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Sleep Apnea or Asthma under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses causing congestion, pain, and recurrent infections

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

Detected by X-ray only

Key Evidence

—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

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

Secondary Conditions

Sleep ApneaMODERATE

Nasal obstruction worsens airway resistance

AsthmaMODERATE

United airways disease

MigrainesMODERATE

Sinus inflammation triggers headaches

BronchitisMODERATE

Post-nasal drip irritates bronchi

AnosmiaMODERATE

Chronic inflammation affects sense of smell

FatigueMODERATE

Chronic infection and poor sleep quality

Ear InfectionsMODERATE

Eustachian tube dysfunction from inflammation

More in Respiratory

Allergic Rhinitis Deviated Septum Chronic Bronchitis Pulmonary Embolism Sarcoidosis Pneumonia Residuals Pulmonary Fibrosis Chronic Laryngitis All conditions →

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

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.

View § 4.97 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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