Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic
The VA rates Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic under Diagnostic Code 6514 across 4 severity levels, from 0% 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.
Catalog name: Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic..
Rating schedule — DC 6514 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%, 50%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Detected by X-ray only |
| 10% | One or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting |
| 30% | Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting |
| 50% | Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries |
“Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting”
What other respiratory conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic 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.
- 6502Septum, nasal, deviation ofRated up to 10%
- 6504Nose, loss of part of, or scarsRated up to 30%
- 6510Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis)Rated up to 50%
- 6515Laryngitis, tuberculous, active or inactiveRated up to 50%
- 6516Laryngitis, chronicRated up to 30%
- 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%
What to do with a Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic rating
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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 Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic?
The VA rates Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic under Diagnostic Code 6514 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Detected by X-ray only. The maximum 50% rating requires: Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic?
The VA rates Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6514, 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 0% and a 50% rating for Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic?
A 0% rating requires: Detected by X-ray only. A 50% rating requires: Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic 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 Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic?
The key evidence for Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic 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 Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6514 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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