Brian Reese here the VA Claims Insider, and in this guide, we’ll explore how to get a VA Rating for Rhinitis, including the top 3 ways to prove your Rhinitis was due to your military service.
Generally, veterans meet the eligibility criteria for “Allergic Rhinitis,” in which case, the VA Disability Ratings for Rhinitis are either 10 percent or 30 percent.
The highest scheduler Allergic Rhinitis VA Rating is 30 percent, which means you have Allergic Rhinitis with Nasal Polyps.
Your final Rhinitis VA Disability Rating depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms and any impairment or loss (e.g., work/life impacts).
Guess what else?
Many veterans mistakenly believe the maximum rating for Rhinitis is 30 percent…
Wrong!

There are 3 different types of Rhinitis that can be service connected and rated:
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Bacterial Rhinitis
- Granulomatous Rhinitis
For example, Granulomatous Rhinitis can be rated as high as 100 percent (more on that below).
In addition, veterans who suffer from Allergic Rhinitis have an increased risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea, in which case, you can file a VA claim for Sleep Apnea secondary to Rhinitis.
Okay, let’s explore this Insider’s Guide for getting VA disability for Rhinitis, even if you’ve already filed or been denied.
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Table of Contents
- What is Allergic Rhinitis in Veterans?
- Do I Have Allergic Rhinitis or the Common Cold?
- Common Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
- How to Get a Rhinitis VA Disability Rating: Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Allergic Rhinitis VA Rating: Is Rhinitis a VA Disability?
- How Do I Get a Rhinitis VA Rating?
- What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for Rhinitis?
- VA Rating for Rhinitis: 3 Paths Revealed
- DC 6522, Allergic or Vasomotor Rhinitis:
- DC 6523, Bacterial Rhinitis:
- DC 6524, Granulomatous Rhinitis:
- What are the VA Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis?
- About the Author
What is Allergic Rhinitis in Veterans?

Allergic Rhinitis, also called “Hay Fever,” has symptoms similar to the common cold: Runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing and sneezing, and sinus pressure.
The biggest difference between a head cold and Allergic Rhinitis is that the former is caused by a virus and the latter is caused by allergens.
For example, Allergic Rhinitis is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or shedding’s by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers, known as “pet dander.”
Allergic Rhinitis is no laughing matter: It can make your life miserable and negatively impact your work, life, and social functioning.
Do I Have Allergic Rhinitis or the Common Cold?
Here’s a helpful chart to distinguish between the two conditions:
Condition | Signs & Symptoms | Onset | Duration |
Allergic Rhinitis | Runny nose with thin, watery discharge and no fever | Immediately after exposure to allergens | Typically for as long as you’re exposed to allergens |
Common Cold | Runny nose with watery or thick yellow/green discharge; body aches; low-grade fever; cough; stuffy nose, with symptoms worsening at night. | One to three days after exposure to a cold virus | 3 to 7 days |
Common Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis include:
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
How to Get a Rhinitis VA Disability Rating: Basic Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Rhinitis VA Rating, a veteran must meet three (3) criteria by law:
- #1. Medical diagnosis of Rhinitis, in a medical record (Service Treatment Records, VA medical records, or private medical records)
- #2. Your Rhinitis was caused or made worse by your active-duty military service OR by another service connected disability for secondary service connection (“Nexus” for service connection)
- #3. Persistent and recurring symptoms of Rhinitis (“Severity of Symptoms”) in terms of Frequency, Severity, and Duration to include any functional impacts.
If you think you have some form of Rhinitis, but don’t have a medical diagnosis,pick-up the phone and call the VA health facility nearest youto make an appointment right away!
If you’re trying to increase your VA rating for Rhinitis, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant the higher rating criteria by law.
The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for Rhinitis is to have objective medical evidence to show your symptoms have worsened over time.
Allergic Rhinitis VA Rating: Is Rhinitis a VA Disability?

Yes, Rhinitis is a VA disability, and it can be rated under one of three possible Diagnostic Codes (DC) depending on your medical diagnosis:
The VA rates Allergic Rhinitis under CFR 38, Part 4, VA Schedule of Ratings, DC 6522, Allergic or Vasomotor Rhinitis, whereas Bacterial Rhinitis falls under DC 6523 and Granulomatous Rhinitis under DC 6524.
Most often, veterans are rated for Allergic Rhinitis at either 10% or 30%.
How Do I Get a Rhinitis VA Rating?

There are 3 primary ways a veteran can get a VA disability rating for Rhinitis:
#1: Direct Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis with a rating of 10% or 30%. This means an in-service event, injury, or disease related to your military service caused you to develop Rhinitis.
#2: Secondary Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis with a rating of 10% or 30%. For example, a veteran can be rated for Rhinitis secondary to Deviated Septum.

#3: Allergic Rhinitis “Presumptive” to Burn Pit Exposure with a rating of 10% or 30%. If you served in the Gulf War region during the presumptive period, the VA assumes your Rhinitis is related to burn pits. The presumptive period for particulate matter exposure is Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, and Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War, from September 19, 2001, to the present,or the Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990, to the present. To be eligible for VA benefits, you must have gotten one of these conditions within 10 years of your separation from active duty military service.
What is the Reasonable Doubt Rule for Rhinitis?

The Reasonable Doubt Rule, also known as the Benefit of the Doubt Doctrine, means that the evidence provided by the veteran must only persuade the decision maker that each factual matter is “at least as likely as not.”
This means there’s a 50/50 chance.
When, after careful consideration of all evidence, a reasonable doubt arises regarding service origin, the degree of disability, or any other point, such doubt will be resolved in favor of the veteran.
The courts further likened the reasonable doubt rule as akin to the principle in baseball that the “tie goes to the runner.”
When in doubt, the benefit is ALWAYS given to the veteran.
Independent providers and C&P examiners must consider and give weight to the veterans self-reported symptoms when completing their DBQ for Rhinitis.
VA Rating for Rhinitis: 3 Paths Revealed

There are three possible Diagnostic Codes (DC) and VA Ratings for Rhinitis depending on your medical diagnosis.
DC 6522, Allergic or Vasomotor Rhinitis:
- Allergic Rhinitis with Polyps, rate at 30%.
- Allergic Rhinitis without Polyps, but with greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, rate at 10%.
DC 6523, Bacterial Rhinitis:
- Bacterial Rhinitis with Rhinoscleroma, rate at 50%.
- Bacterial Rhinitis with permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, rate at 10%.
DC 6524, Granulomatous Rhinitis:
- Granulomatous Rhinitis with Wegener’s granulomatosis, lethal midline granuloma, rate at 100%.
- Granulomatous Rhinitis other(s) with infection, rate at 20%.
Pro Tip:Were you exposed to Burn Pits?If you served in Afghanistan,Southwest Asia or certain other regions and developed Sinusitis, Rhinitis, or Asthma within 10 years from your separation from active duty service, these respiratory conditions are presumed to be service-connected. This is especially big news for Afghan war veterans.
What are the VA Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis?

It’s possible for your Allergic Rhinitis to be caused or made worse by another service connected disability for secondary service connection.
Here’s a list of common VA secondary conditions to Allergic Rhinitis:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Deviated Septum
- Asthma
- Nasal Polyps
- Weakened immune system from other illnesses or medications taken to manage your service connected disabilities.
What Should I Expect at a C&P Exam for Allergic Rhinitis?

A C&P exam for Allergic Rhinitis involves a series of verbal questions, to include a physical examination, and diagnostic testing (X-Rays, CT scans, or MRIs, if none have been performed).
The following are a list of common questions asked at a VA C&P exam for Rhinitis, based on the DBQ for Rhinitis.
#1. Does the veteran now have, or has he/she ever been diagnosed with Rhinitis?
If yes, select the appropriate diagnosis and describe the history and onset of the condition.
#2. Is there greater than 50% obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides due to Rhinitis?
Yes or no.
#3. Is there complete obstruction on the left side due to Rhinitis?
Yes or no.
#4. Is there complete obstruction on the right side due to Rhinitis?
Yes or no.
#5. Is there permanent hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates?
Yes or no.
#6. Are there nasal polyps?
Yes or no.
#7. Does the veteran have any of the following granulomatous?
If “yes,” check all that apply:
- Granulomatous rhinitis
- Rhinoscleroma
- Wegener’s granulomatosis
- Lethal midline granuloma
- Other granulomatous infection (describe).
#8. Are there any other pertinent findings of Rhinitis?
#9. Have imaging studies of the sinuses or other areas been performed?
If yes, indicate the type and results.
#10. Is there any evidence of a Deviated Septum?
#11. Does the veteran’s Rhinitis impact his/her ability to work?
If yes, describe impact of each of the veteran’s sinus, nose, throat, larynx, or pharynx conditions, providing one or more examples.
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Founder & CEO
Brian Reeseis a VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned, andfounder of VA Claims Insider–“The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”
His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to create“VA Claims Insider,”which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim.
Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the world’s largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013.
His eBook, the“9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim”has been downloaded more than 300,000 times in the past three years and is the #1 rated free VA disability claims guide for veterans.
He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
FAQs
How do I win a rhinitis VA claim? ›
To show that allergic rhinitis is a secondary service condition, you would need to have a primary diagnosis that is service connected. Then, you need to show that the treatment for that diagnosis was performed but that the secondary illness developed as a result of the initial condition.
What is the VA rating criteria for rhinitis? ›Under DC 6522, allergic or vasomotor rhinitis is rated as 10 percent disabling when it is manifested by a greater than 50 percent obstruction of both nasal passages or complete obstruction of one nasal passage without polyps. A 30 percent disability rating is warranted when polyps are present.
Can you get a VA rating for sinusitis and rhinitis? ›The criteria for a 30 percent disability rating, and no more, for sinusitis with allergic rhinitis have been met. 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1155, 5107 (West 2014); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.321, 4.1-4.7, 4.97, DC 6522-6510 (2014).
What is a secondary condition to allergic rhinitis? ›Secondary Conditions Linked to Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic conjunctivitis – Allergic conjunctivitis has a close relationship with allergic rhinitis, as people who experience allergic rhinitis may have symptoms that affect the eyes, causing inflammation, itchiness, redness, or more.
- A current diagnosis by a medical professional;
- An in-service event, injury, or illness; and.
- A medical nexus linking the current diagnosis of chronic sinusitis to the in-service occurrence.
- Mental Health Conditions. Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorder are considered high-value claims. ...
- Scars. ...
- Musculoskeletal Conditions. ...
- Presumptive Disorders. ...
- Tinnitus.
A 30 percent disability rating is the maximum rating permitted for allergic rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6522. The veteran is not entitled to an increased disability rating for allergic rhinitis symptoms during any other time period relevant to the instant appeal.
What is the average VA disability rating for sinusitis? ›Typically, the VA rates chronic sinusitis as 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50%. To receive at least a 10% VA disability rating, the veteran must experience at least one or two long-lasting, incapacitating sinusitis episodes annually that require antibiotics.
What is the VA rating for rhinitis burn pits? ›Rhinitis Caused by Burn Pits
This reaction causes symptoms including runny nose, sneezing, itching, and congestion. Rhinitis has three diagnostic codes: Diagnostic code 6522 for allergic or vasomotor rhinitis. This code could lead to a disability rating between 10% and 30%
Sinusitis itself may go on to cause other secondary disability conditions such as laryngitis or bronchitis. It may also worsen sleep apnea. It is necessary to show that the service-connected disability is directly linked to the secondary injury or illness.
Can you claim sleep apnea secondary to rhinitis? ›
Service connection is therefore warranted. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as secondary to the service-connected sinusitis with allergic rhinitis, is granted.
What is the difference between sinusitis and rhinitis? ›Rhinitis – Inflammation of the mucus membrane in the nose. Sinusitis – Inflammation in the cavities surrounding the nasal passages (the sinuses)
How can allergic rhinitis be service connected? ›Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis
Typically, veterans will have to provide evidence of the following three elements of service connection: A current diagnosis; An in-service event, injury, or illness; and. A medical nexus linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis.
The most common causes of rhinitis are: Pollen given off by trees, grass, and weeds. Dust mites.
What are the major criteria of allergic rhinitis? ›Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa induced by allergen exposure triggering IgE-mediated inflammation. Clinically, it is characterized by four major symptoms–rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal congestion.
What is the gold standard for diagnosing sinusitis? ›In chronic sinusitis, CT scanning is the 'gold standard' for the diagnosis and the management, because it also provides an anatomic road map, when surgery is required. Nuclear medicine studies and ultrasound are rarely indicated in acute and chronic rhinosinusitis.
What is the VA rating for sleep apnea secondary to sinusitis? ›§ 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.3, 4.7. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as secondary to service-connected disability, is granted. An initial 30 percent rating for sinusitis is granted, subject to the controlling regulations applicable to the payment of monetary benefits.
How do you discredit an unfavorable VA exam? ›- The Examiner Was Biased. ...
- The Examiner's Conclusion Was Not Supported. ...
- The Examiner Overlooked Important Evidence. ...
- Get An Outside Opinion From A Private Healthcare Provider. ...
- Ask For A Copy Of Your C&P Exam.
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, happens when you breathe in something to which you are allergic, and the inside of your nose becomes inflamed and swollen. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining inside the sinuses which can be acute or chronic.
Is allergic rhinitis linked to sleep apnea? ›Allergic rhinitis increases the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea by two major mechanisms: 1) increase in airway resistance due to higher nasal resistance and 2) reduction in pharyngeal diameter from mouth breathing that moves the mandible inferiorly.
Can sleep apnea be caused by rhinitis? ›
Can Allergic Rhinitis Cause Sleep Apnoea? Nasal congestion due to Allergic Rhinitis narrows the airways and can increase the risk of suffering from OSA. The fatigue associated with lack of sleep and the lack of concentration which results can have marked effects on someone's quality of life.
Can sleep apnea be caused by allergic rhinitis? ›Can Allergic Rhinitis Cause Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)? While the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can aggravate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, it does not cause the sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is caused when the airway falls closed during sleep causing a disruption in normal breathing.
What are the 23 presumptive conditions for burn pit exposure? ›- Rhinitis.
- Sinusitis.
- Asthma.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea.
- Adenocarcinoma of the trachea.
- Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea.
- Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung.
- Asthma that was diagnosed after service.
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Chronic rhinitis.
- Chronic sinusitis.
- Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis.
- Emphysema.
- Granulomatous disease.
Vasomotor rhinitis is rated under Diagnostic Code 6522, which provides a 10 percent rating for vasomotor rhinitis without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
What are secondary conditions related to sinusitis? ›Sinusitis may be linked to other conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, ear infections, and deviated septums. Chronic sinusitis affects 37 million Americans annually.
What can sinusitis be secondary to? ›Colds, bacterial infections, allergies, asthma, and other health conditions can also cause sinusitis. If your sinuses are blocked for a long time, you may get a bacterial infection. This secondary infection is caused by bacteria that are normally present in the respiratory tract.
What are secondary conditions to chronic sinusitis? ›Sinus Disabilities Could Cause Secondary Conditions
Sinus drainage often causes throat or lower respiratory problems, including laryngitis and bronchitis. There is also some evidence that sinus problems can worsen sleep apnea.