Body system: Respiratory SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.97DBQ: DBQ ENT Sinusitis, Rhinitis and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx and Pharynx
Granulomatous rhinitis is chronic inflammation and infection inside your nose and nasal passages that creates small clusters of inflamed tissue called granulomas. The VA rates this condition under two levels: 100% for severe, life-threatening types like Wegener's granulomatosis that can damage multiple organs, and 20% for other less severe granulomatous infections. The huge gap between ratings reflects that some forms are immediately disabling while others cause ongoing but manageable nasal problems.
Rating levels
- 100% — This criteria covers two severe forms of granulomatous rhinitis (chronic inflammation in the nose and sinuses with specific tissue changes). Wegener's granulomatosis is a serious autoimmune disease that causes widespread inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, while lethal midline granuloma is a destructive condition that severely damages the nose, sinuses, and surrounding facial structures, potentially affecting breathing, eating, and speaking.
- 20% — This level covers granulomatous rhinitis from other causes: a long-lasting infection or inflammation inside the nose that forms granulomas, small clusters of immune cells, such as rhinoscleroma, tuberculosis of the nose, leprosy, or a fungal infection of the nasal lining. These conditions cause ongoing nasal blockage, crusting, discharge and sometimes damage to the nasal tissue, and are rated 20% under DC 6524 when they are not one of the two severe forms rated 100%.