VA Rhinitis Claim Guide
How VA rhinitis claims work, PACT Act presumptive coverage, and the rating ladder under DC 6522 (allergic) and DC 6523 (bacterial).
Allergic rhinitis is rated 10% or 30% under DC 6522 based on presence of nasal polyps. Bacterial rhinitis under DC 6523 ranges from 10% to 50% based on severity. Both are PACT Act presumptive for veterans with covered service.
Rhinitis is often filed alongside chronic sinusitis, and it's worth understanding both since they carry separate diagnostic codes, separate rating criteria, and can both be service-connected on the same claim without one canceling out the other.
Allergic Rhinitis — DC 6522
- 10% — without nasal polyps, but with greater than 50% obstruction of nasal passage on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side
- 30% — with nasal polyps present on examination
Bacterial Rhinitis — DC 6523
- 10% — with permanent hypertrophy of nasal turbinates and greater than 50% obstruction, or complete obstruction on one side
- 50% — with granulomatous rhinitis, characterized by scabbing, ulceration, and general debilitation
Want to understand everything the PACT Act changed before you file?
See the Full PACT Act GuidePACT Act Presumptive Coverage
Both allergic and bacterial rhinitis are presumptive under the PACT Act for veterans who served in covered Gulf War and post-9/11 locations during the qualifying periods — service in the right place and time, plus the diagnosis, is enough without needing to prove the specific exposure that triggered it.
Evidence to Gather
- ENT specialist records with a specific diagnosis code (allergic vs. bacterial matters for rating)
- Nasal endoscopy or imaging documenting polyps or turbinate hypertrophy
- Treatment history, including any prescribed medications or procedures
- PACT-covered service documentation if pursuing the presumptive path
Rhinitis as a Secondary Condition
Chronic rhinitis can also develop secondary to other service-connected respiratory or sinus conditions, or worsen due to prescribed medications for an unrelated condition. If you're already service-connected for sinusitis, asthma, or a related respiratory issue and later develop rhinitis, it's worth discussing whether a secondary claim fits your specific medical history alongside — or instead of — the direct PACT Act pathway.
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
Rhinitis and sinusitis often go together, and PACT Act covers both for qualifying service — get the ENT documentation specific enough to show which diagnostic code actually applies to you. Educational only. Not legal advice.
Want to understand everything the PACT Act changed before you file?
See the Full PACT Act Guide