Is rhinitis PACT Act presumptive?

Yes — chronic rhinitis is included on the PACT Act's toxic exposure presumptive list for veterans who served in covered Gulf War and post-9/11 locations.

Can I have both allergic and bacterial rhinitis rated?

Generally the VA rates based on the predominant diagnosis rather than combining both codes for the same nasal condition — your ENT provider's specific diagnosis matters for which code applies.

Does allergy testing affect my rating?

Not directly — allergy testing helps establish the allergic rhinitis diagnosis itself, but the rating level still depends on the obstruction and polyp findings under DC 6522.

VA Ratings

2025-06-01· 4 min read

VA Rhinitis Rating Guide: Allergic and Bacterial

How the VA rates allergic and bacterial rhinitis based on nasal passage obstruction and the presence of polyps, and the specific documentation that separates a 10% rating from a 30%.

By VA Benefits Help Guide Editorial Team · Updated 2026-06-01

Quick answer

Allergic rhinitis is rated 10% or 30% under DC 6522. The 10% level applies when there are no polyps but greater than 50% obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side. The 30% level applies specifically when polyps are present.

The VA rates rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6522. The difference between rating levels often hinges on a handful of specific findings that examiners check during the C&P exam. Knowing what each level requires lets you advocate for an accurate rating — and identify when an under-rating warrants an appeal.

Rating Criteria

10%

Without polyps, but with greater than 50% obstruction of nasal passage on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side.

30%

With polyps present on examination.

Evidence That Drives the Rating

ENT examination with a specific diagnosis noted
Nasal endoscopy documenting the presence or absence of polyps
Allergy testing if pursuing an allergic (rather than bacterial) diagnosis
Treatment history showing ongoing symptom management

Dealing with sinus symptoms alongside your rhinitis?

See the VA Sinusitis Rating Guide

What to Expect at the C&P Exam

The examiner will complete the DBQ specific to rhinitis. Bring symptom logs, treatment records, and a clear description of how the condition affects daily life and work. Describe your worst typical day, not your best day.

Why the Polyp Finding Is Everything

Unlike many conditions with a gradual severity scale, rhinitis under DC 6522 has essentially one deciding question: are polyps present or not? A veteran with severe obstruction but no polyps caps at 10%, while a veteran with polyps and comparatively milder day-to-day symptoms can still reach 30%. This makes the endoscopy finding disproportionately important relative to how the symptoms actually feel.

Rhinitis Alongside Sinusitis

Rhinitis and chronic sinusitis frequently occur together and use separate diagnostic codes, meaning both can be claimed and rated independently on the same application. If you're being evaluated for one, it's worth asking your ENT provider to specifically address the other during the same visit.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not getting a nasal endoscopy to specifically document whether polyps are present, which is the deciding factor between the two rating levels.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Understanding the rating schedule for rhinitis turns a passive exam into an active conversation. Walk in knowing what level your symptoms support — and what evidence backs it up.