Nose, loss of part of, or scars — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6504)
The VA rates Nose, loss of part of, or scars under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6504, from 10% to 30% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 30% rating requires Exposing both nasal passages. Related conditions in the Respiratory body system share this rating framework.
Also available: View full condition details for Nose, loss of part of, or scars
Rating schedule — DC 6504 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 30%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Nose, loss of part of, or scars?
Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement
Exposing both nasal passages
“Exposing both nasal passages”
How does the VA rate Respiratory conditions?
Common Questions About Nose, loss of part of, or scars VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Nose, loss of part of, or scars?
The VA rates Nose, loss of part of, or scars under Diagnostic Code 6504 at the following tiers: 10%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement. The maximum 30% rating requires: Exposing both nasal passages.
What is Diagnostic Code 6504?
Diagnostic Code 6504 is the VA rating identifier for Nose, loss of part of, or scars 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.
What is the highest rating for Nose, loss of part of, or scars?
The highest schedular rating for Nose, loss of part of, or scars under DC 6504 is 30%. This tier requires: Exposing both nasal passages. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Nose, loss of part of, or scars alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Nose, loss of part of, or scars ratings?
Nose, loss of part of, or scars is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6504. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Nose, loss of part of, or scars?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Nose, loss of part of, or scars may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Nose, loss of part of, or scars?
The key evidence for Nose, loss of part of, or scars depends on the body system. For respiratory conditions, pulmonary function test (PFT) results — specifically FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO values — directly determine the rating tier. Test during symptomatic periods when possible. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.
Can Nose, loss of part of, or scars qualify for TDIU?
Nose, loss of part of, or scars maxes at 30%, below the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60%. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is available if Nose, loss of part of, or scars alone prevents work regardless of the rating percentage.
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