Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6522)

The VA rates Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6522 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 6522 is the VA rating identifier for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis under DC 6522 is 30%. This tier requires: With polyps. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6522. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.