Claiming Allergic Rhinitis?
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VA Rating Tiers
30%
With nasal polyps
10%
With greater than 50% bilateral obstruction or complete unilateral obstruction
0%
Symptomatic but below threshold for 10% — still ratable, service connection still matters
Rating Notes
- ›30%: Rhinitis with confirmed nasal polyps. DC 6522.
- ›10%: Greater than 50% bilateral nasal obstruction — or complete unilateral obstruction. DC 6522.
- ›0%: Symptomatic rhinitis but below obstruction threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 6522 covers both allergic and vasomotor rhinitis.
- ›PACT Act presumptive eligibility may apply for veterans deployed to covered locations.
- ›Rhinitis can establish secondary service connection for sinusitis, asthma, and sleep apnea.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •PACT Act expanded eligibility for veterans exposed to burn pits, open air burn areas, and particulate matter — rhinitis is a presumptive condition for eligible veterans.
- •Deployment to Southwest Asia, Djibouti, or other PACT Act covered locations may qualify without proving direct nexus.
- •Lay evidence describing ongoing nasal symptoms since service can support a claim even without in-service medical records.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •deployment records showing service in Southwest Asia or PACT Act covered locations
- •sick call or sick bay visits for nasal or sinus complaints
- •MOS or duty records showing burn pit or environmental exposure
- •PACT Act burn pit registry enrollment
Medical Evidence
- •primary care or ENT records diagnosing allergic or vasomotor rhinitis
- •allergy testing results
- •records documenting nasal polyps if present
- •records documenting nasal passage obstruction
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing onset of nasal symptoms during or shortly after service
- •buddy statement confirming exposure or symptoms observed during service
- •statement describing how symptoms have continued and worsened since service
Diagnostic Tests
- •nasal endoscopy
- •allergy skin or blood testing (IgE panel)
- •nasal airflow testing
- •CT scan of sinuses
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) / Sinusitis and Rhinitis DBQ
Be ready to describe
- •when nasal symptoms first started — during or after service
- •specific exposures during deployment (burn pits, dust, smoke)
- •how often symptoms occur and how severe they are
- •whether you have been diagnosed with polyps
- •how breathing is affected — especially during exercise or sleep
- •any treatments tried and whether they helped
Prep notes
- •Do not use nasal sprays right before your exam — go in with your baseline symptoms.
- •Be specific about PACT Act deployment locations and dates if applicable.
- •Mention if your symptoms are worse in certain environments (outdoors, dry air, smoky areas).
- •If you have polyps, make sure your diagnosis is in your records — this is the difference between 0% and 30%.
- •Describe the worst your symptoms get, not just your average day.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 6522
- Category
- Respiratory
- Subcategory
- Upper Airway
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 30%
Also Known As
allergic rhinitisvasomotor rhinitisnasal allergieshay feverchronic runny nosenasal congestion
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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