Reference: 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6522

What is the VA rating for Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic Rhinitis is evaluated under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6522. The rating schedule is based primarily on the extent of nasal passage obstruction and the presence or absence of nasal polyps. It is a presumptive condition under the PACT Act for qualifying veterans.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

VA evaluates Allergic Rhinitis under the respiratory system schedule, Diagnostic Code 6522.

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Overview

About this condition

VA evaluates Allergic Rhinitis under the respiratory system schedule, Diagnostic Code 6522.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.97

Information on standard rating criteria.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

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10%

Next: 30%

10 percent criteria for Allergic Rhinitis.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Official CFR language for 10 percent.
What the published criteria say
Explanation of 10 percent criteria.
Examples
Example 1
Medical evidence
Medical evidence 1
Common misconceptions
Misconception 1
Related topics
Respiratory Ratings; FEV-1; FVC

30%

Highest listed pathway

30 percent criteria for Allergic Rhinitis.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Official CFR language for 30 percent.
What the published criteria say
Explanation of 30 percent criteria.
Examples
Example 1
Medical evidence
Medical evidence 1
Common misconceptions
Misconception 1
Related topics
Respiratory Ratings; FEV-1; FVC

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Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

The presence or absence of nasal polyps is a key evaluation finding

The rating schedule distinguishes between allergic rhinitis with greater than 50 percent obstruction on both sides or complete obstruction on one side (without polyps) and allergic rhinitis with polyps.

  • Nasal polyps are growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses that can cause obstruction and are identified on physical examination or imaging.
  • The examiner documents whether polyps are present and their effect on nasal airflow during the examination.
  • Obstruction percentage is assessed clinically by the examiner rather than by the veteran's subjective report.

Records to review: ENT examination findings documenting polyp presence or absence; Nasal endoscopy or CT imaging of sinuses; Documentation of degree of nasal obstruction.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Respiratory DBQ

Standard DBQ for respiratory conditions.

VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

The public DBQ shows the kinds of findings an examiner may record. A veteran may review it, or may share it with a private clinician, before a C&P exam. RatingScope does not tell any person what to submit.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

How does VA rate Allergic Rhinitis?

Under 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6522.

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Allergic Rhinitis

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Allergic Rhinitis yet.

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