Bacterial rhinitis
The VA rates Bacterial rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6523 across 2 severity levels, from 10% to 50%. 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 6523 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 50%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Bacterial rhinitis?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | With permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side |
| 50% | Rhinoscleroma |
“Rhinoscleroma”
What other respiratory conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Bacterial 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.
- 6518Laryngectomy, totalRated up to 50%
- 6519Aphonia, complete organicRated up to 60%
- 6520Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)Rated up to 100%
- 6521Pharynx, injuries toRated up to 50%
- 6522Allergic or vasomotor rhinitisRated up to 30%
- 6524Granulomatous rhinitisRated up to 100%
- 6600Bronchitis, chronicRated up to 100%
- 6601BronchiectasisRated up to 100%
- 6602Asthma, bronchialRated up to 100%
- 6603Emphysema, pulmonaryRated up to 100%
What to do with a Bacterial rhinitis rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
Calculate
On this site
Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Bacterial rhinitis VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Bacterial rhinitis?
The VA rates Bacterial rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6523 at 10%, 50%. The minimum 10% rating requires: With permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. The maximum 50% rating requires: Rhinoscleroma.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Bacterial rhinitis?
The VA rates Bacterial rhinitis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6523, 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 50% rating for Bacterial rhinitis?
A 10% rating requires: With permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. A 50% rating requires: Rhinoscleroma. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Bacterial rhinitis qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Bacterial rhinitis maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Bacterial rhinitis?
The key evidence for Bacterial 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 Bacterial rhinitis?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6523 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.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits