Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis) — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6510)

The VA rates Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis) under Diagnostic Code 6510 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Sinusitis 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 the affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries..

Diagnostic Code 6510 is the VA rating identifier for Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis) within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510, General Rating Formula for Sinusitis. 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 Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis) under DC 6510 is 50%. This tier requires: Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of the affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis) alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510, General Rating Formula for Sinusitis, Diagnostic Code 6510. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis) include: Migraine Headaches (Sinus-Triggered), Chronic Bronchitis (Post-Nasal Drip), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Nasal Obstruction). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

Service connection for Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis) 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.