DC 6504Respiratory System38 CFR § 4.97

Loss of nose part of, or scars

The VA rates Loss of nose part of, or scars under Diagnostic Code 6504 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.

Catalog name: Nose, loss of part of, or scars.

Rating schedule — DC 6504 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

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Respiratory System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Loss of nose part of, or scars?

RatingCriteria
10%

Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement

30%

Exposing both nasal passages

Exposing both nasal passages

These diagnostic codes sit next to Loss of nose part of, or scars 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. 6502Septum, nasal, deviation ofRated up to 10%
  2. 6510Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis)Rated up to 50%
  3. 6514Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic.Rated up to 50%
  4. 6515Laryngitis, tuberculous, active or inactiveRated up to 50%
  5. 6516Laryngitis, chronicRated up to 30%
  6. 6518Laryngectomy, totalRated up to 50%
  7. 6519Aphonia, complete organicRated up to 60%
  8. 6520Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)Rated up to 100%
  9. 6521Pharynx, injuries toRated up to 50%
  10. 6522Allergic or vasomotor rhinitisRated up to 30%
All 58 respiratory conditions

Common Questions About Loss of nose part of, or scars VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Loss of nose part of, or scars?

The VA rates Loss of nose part of, or scars under Diagnostic Code 6504 at 10%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement. The maximum 30% rating requires: Exposing both nasal passages.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Loss of nose part of, or scars?

The VA rates Loss of nose part of, or scars under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6504, governed by 38 CFR 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 Loss of nose part of, or scars?

A 10% rating requires: Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement. A 30% rating requires: Exposing both nasal passages. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Loss of nose part of, or scars qualify for TDIU?

Loss of nose part of, or scars 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 Loss of nose part of, or scars?

The key evidence for Loss of nose part of, or scars 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 Loss of nose part of, or scars?

The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6504 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