Chronic rhinitis
Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis. Diagnostic Code 6522.
Overview
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages that can cause congestion, sneezing, and drainage. It is often claimed together with sinus conditions.
How VA rates it
Diagnostic Code 6522 · 38 CFR 4.97
Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.
| Rating | Summary of the criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | With polyps. |
| 10% | Without polyps, but with more than 50 percent obstruction of both nasal passages or complete obstruction on one side. |
Only these two levels are listed for this code.
Common secondary connections
These are conditions often discussed in connection with Chronic rhinitis. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.
- Chronic sinusitis
- Sleep apnea
Presumptive notes
VA lists chronic rhinitis as a PACT Act presumptive condition for qualifying service locations. Read the full eligibility rules on VA.gov.
Evidence veterans generally gather
VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:
- ENT or primary care records
- Deployment records
- A current diagnosis from a medical provider
- Service treatment records and personnel records
- VA and private treatment records
- Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
- A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available
Official source
Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.97 on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.
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