Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is chronic nasal inflammation causing congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. VA rates it on whether nasal polyps are present and how blocked the nasal passages are, with a maximum of 30 percent.
Presumptive condition — PACT Act - burn pits / airborne hazards, Gulf War particulate matter (38 CFR 3.320)
Chronic rhinitis is presumptive under the PACT Act for veterans with qualifying service: the Southwest Asia theater on or after August 2, 1990, or Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen, or their airspace on or after September 11, 2001. The earlier Gulf War particulate-matter rule (38 CFR 3.320) also presumes rhinitis manifesting within 10 years of separation.
How the VA rates it
Rated under diagnostic code 6522 with just two tiers. The presence of nasal polyps is worth 30 percent. Without polyps, you need documented obstruction — greater than 50 percent blockage of the nasal passage on both sides, or complete blockage on one side — for 10 percent.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 30%Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis with nasal polyps.
Without polyps, but with greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Chronic Sinusitis — Chronic rhinitis commonly progresses to or aggravates chronic sinusitis.
- Sleep Apnea — Nasal obstruction from rhinitis can contribute to or aggravate obstructive sleep apnea.
- Asthma — Rhinitis and asthma are linked airway conditions; asthma is sometimes claimed secondary to service-connected rhinitis.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- An ENT exam documenting nasal polyps is the key to the 30 percent rating — a nasal endoscopy report is strong evidence.
- Without polyps, get the degree of obstruction measured and written down (percent blockage per side); vague notes of 'congestion' will not support a compensable rating.
- Show chronicity: allergy testing, ongoing prescriptions (nasal steroids, antihistamines), and treatment records spanning years.
Related diagnostic codes
More respiratory conditions
Sleep Apnea (Obstructive, Central, or Mixed)
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. VA rates it on how it is treated and how severe the effects are, from documented-but-asymptomatic up to chronic respiratory failure.
Rated up to 100%
Asthma (Bronchial Asthma)
Asthma is a chronic airway disease causing wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. VA rates it on pulmonary function test (PFT) results or on how much medication and medical care it requires, whichever applies.
Rated up to 100%
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is long-term inflammation and infection of the sinus cavities causing headaches, facial pain, and discharge. VA rates all forms on one shared formula based on how many sinusitis episodes you have per year and how severe they are.
Rated up to 50%
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes breathing difficult. VA rates it almost entirely on objective pulmonary function test results, with higher ratings for oxygen therapy or heart complications.
Rated up to 100%
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes with a persistent productive cough. VA rates it on the same pulmonary function test criteria used for COPD.
Rated up to 100%
Deviated Nasal Septum (Traumatic)
A deviated septum is a displacement of the wall between the nostrils that blocks airflow. VA rates it under a single 10 percent tier, and only when the deviation is traumatic (caused by injury).
Rated up to 10%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.