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).
How the VA rates it
Rated under diagnostic code 6502, which by its terms covers traumatic deviation only. There is one compensable level: 10 percent, requiring 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. A congenital deviation is generally not compensable by itself, though aggravation of a pre-existing condition by service can still be argued.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 10%Traumatic deviation of the nasal septum with 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 — Blocked sinus drainage from the deviation can cause or aggravate chronic sinusitis, which is rated separately.
- Sleep Apnea — Nasal obstruction can contribute to or aggravate obstructive sleep apnea.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Document the in-service trauma: injury reports, sick call or dental/facial injury records, or buddy statements about the incident (sports injury, combatives, blast, accident).
- Get an ENT exam that quantifies the obstruction per side — the 50 percent both sides / complete one side threshold must be documented, not assumed.
- Even though the 10 percent cap is low, a deviated septum can anchor higher-value secondary claims like sinusitis or sleep apnea.
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%
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.
Rated up to 30%
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%
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.