Chronic sinusitis
Sinusitis, chronic. Diagnostic Code 6510 to 6514.
Overview
Chronic sinusitis is long lasting inflammation of the sinuses that can cause headaches, pain, and discharge. VA lists separate codes for each sinus (pansinusitis, ethmoid, frontal, maxillary, sphenoid) that share one rating formula.
How VA rates it
Diagnostic Code 6510 to 6514 · 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 |
|---|---|
| 50% | After radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or near constant sinusitis after repeated surgeries. |
| 30% | Three or more incapacitating episodes per year needing prolonged antibiotics, or more than six non incapacitating episodes per year. |
| 10% | One or two incapacitating episodes per year needing prolonged antibiotics, or three to six non incapacitating episodes per year. |
| 0% | Detected by X ray only. |
An incapacitating episode means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician, as defined in the regulation.
Common secondary connections
These are conditions often discussed in connection with Chronic sinusitis. 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 rhinitis
- Sleep apnea
- Headaches
Presumptive notes
VA lists chronic sinusitis as a PACT Act presumptive condition for veterans with qualifying Gulf War era or post 9/11 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:
- Records of sinus infections and antibiotic courses
- Imaging results, if done
- Deployment records showing location and dates
- 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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