Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis (DC 6522)

Body system: Respiratory SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.97

Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis is chronic inflammation of your nasal passages caused by allergies or other triggers like weather changes, strong smells, or stress. The VA rates this condition based on whether you have nasal polyps (small growths) and how much your nasal passages are blocked. You'll get 30% if you have polyps, or 10% if you don't have polyps but have significant blockage - either more than half blocked on both sides or completely blocked on one side.

Rating levels

  • 30% — You have nasal polyps present in your nose along with your allergic or vasomotor rhinitis. Polyps are small, soft growths that develop inside your nasal passages or sinuses and can block airflow, making it harder to breathe through your nose and often causing additional symptoms like reduced sense of smell.
  • 10% — You can qualify for this rating if your allergic or chronic stuffy nose causes more than half of both nasal passages to be blocked, or if one side is completely blocked. The blockage must be significant enough that breathing through your nose is substantially difficult, but you don't have nasal polyps (small growths inside the nose).

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.