Bacterial rhinitis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6523)

The VA rates Bacterial rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6523 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 6523 is the VA rating identifier for Bacterial 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 Bacterial rhinitis under DC 6523 is 50%. This tier requires: Rhinoscleroma. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Bacterial 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.

Bacterial rhinitis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6523. 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 Bacterial 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 Bacterial 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.