DC 6502Respiratory System38 CFR § 4.97

Septum, nasal, deviation of

The VA rates Septum, nasal, deviation of under Diagnostic Code 6502 at a single 10% level. With a cap of 10%, most veterans pursue secondary conditions to increase their combined rating.

Rating schedule — DC 6502 at a glance

Minimum rating
10%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
10%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
1

10%

CFR section
§ 4.97

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Respiratory System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Septum, nasal, deviation of?

RatingCriteria
10%

With 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side

With 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side

Common Questions About Septum, nasal, deviation of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Septum, nasal, deviation of?

The VA rates Septum, nasal, deviation of under Diagnostic Code 6502 at 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: With 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. The maximum 10% rating requires: With 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Septum, nasal, deviation of?

The VA rates Septum, nasal, deviation of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6502, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

Can Septum, nasal, deviation of qualify for TDIU?

Septum, nasal, deviation of maxes at 10%, 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 Septum, nasal, deviation of?

The key evidence for Septum, nasal, deviation of 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 Septum, nasal, deviation of?

The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6502 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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