Septum, nasal, deviation of (DC 6502)

Body system: Respiratory SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.97DBQ: DBQ ENT Sinusitis, Rhinitis and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx and Pharynx

A deviated nasal septum means the wall inside your nose that separates your nostrils is crooked or off-center, making it harder to breathe through your nose. The VA only gives one rating level for this condition: 10 percent if you have 50 percent blockage on both sides of your nose or complete blockage on just one side. This is a pretty specific threshold - your breathing obstruction needs to be significant to qualify for the rating.

Rating levels

  • 10% — You qualify if your deviated septum (the wall inside your nose that separates your nostrils) blocks half of the airflow through both sides of your nose, or if it completely blocks airflow through one nostril. This means you have significant trouble breathing through your nose due to the structural problem with your septum.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.