DC 6522Respiratory SystemCriteria from 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6522

Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis

The VA rates Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6522 across 2 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.

Rating schedule — DC 6522 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
30%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
2

10%, 30%

CFR section
§ 4.97

Where this code is published

Body system
Respiratory System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis?

RatingCriteria
10%

Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side

30%

With polyps

Note: 30% is the maximum rating for allergic or vasomotor rhinitis under DC 6522.

“With polyps”

These diagnostic codes sit next to Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.

  1. 6516Laryngitis, chronicRated up to 30%
  2. 6518Laryngectomy, totalRated up to 50%
  3. 6519Aphonia, complete organicRated up to 60%
  4. 6520Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)Rated up to 100%
  5. 6521Pharynx, injuries toRated up to 50%
  6. 6523Bacterial rhinitisRated up to 50%
  7. 6524Granulomatous rhinitisRated up to 100%
  8. 6600Bronchitis, chronicRated up to 100%
  9. 6601BronchiectasisRated up to 100%
  10. 6602Asthma, bronchialRated up to 100%
All 58 respiratory conditions

The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.

Common Questions About Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis?

The VA rates Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6522 at 10%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. The maximum 30% rating requires: With polyps.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis?

The VA rates Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6522, published in 38 CFR § 4.97. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 10% and a 30% rating for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis?

A 10% rating requires: Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. A 30% rating requires: With polyps. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis qualify for TDIU?

Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis?

The key evidence for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis?

The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6522 rating criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) drive the rating. The examiner measures FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO. Test during symptomatic periods when possible — stable periods produce higher numbers that may underrate your condition.

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