VASRD 6209 · Organs of Special Sense
Deviated nasal septum VA Disability Rating
A deviated septum is a physical displacement of the wall between the nostrils, which can partially or fully block airflow through one or both sides of the nose and make breathing, especially through the nose, difficult. The rating depends specifically on how much nasal airflow is obstructed, not just whether a deviation is visible on exam.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | 50% or greater nasal obstruction on both sides |
How the VA Evaluates Deviated nasal septum
The rating requires 50 percent or greater obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side, confirmed by an ENT exam - a mild deviation without meeting this obstruction threshold generally isn't compensable.
Approval outlook
72%
Veterans service-connected
~9,023 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •An ENT exam documenting the degree and location of the deviation.
- •Nasal endoscopy visualizing the airway obstruction directly.
- •Breathing tests that objectively measure airflow through each side of the nose.
Strategy Tips
- •Get an ENT specialist evaluation, since this is the exam that will actually measure and document the degree of nasal obstruction the rating depends on.
- •Highlight breathing difficulties during sleep or exercise specifically, since these situations often make airflow restriction most noticeable and relevant.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Insufficient proof of obstruction severity - a diagnosis of a deviated septum alone doesn't establish that the 50 percent obstruction threshold is met.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Lack of measurement of the actual obstruction, since the rating specifically depends on that percentage, not just the presence of a deviation.
- •No ENT evaluation included, leaving the claim without the specialist assessment needed to confirm severity.
Onset Patterns
- •A deviated septum can result from a traumatic injury (like a broken nose) during service, or it can be a congenital condition that becomes more symptomatic over time.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Deviated nasal septum. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Deviated nasal septum
- Is Deviated nasal septum a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Deviated nasal septum under VASRD diagnostic code 6209 (Organs of Special Sense). A deviated septum is a physical displacement of the wall between the nostrils, which can partially or fully block airflow through one or both sides of the nose and make breathing, especially through the nose, difficult.…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Deviated nasal septum?
- Possible VA ratings for Deviated nasal septum are 10%. Examples: 10%: 50% or greater nasal obstruction on both sides.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Deviated nasal septum?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Deviated nasal septum at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 9,023 veterans are service-connected for Deviated nasal septum. Estimated approval outlook: 72%.
- What evidence helps prove Deviated nasal septum for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Deviated nasal septum claim includes: An ENT exam documenting the degree and location of the deviation.; Nasal endoscopy visualizing the airway obstruction directly.; Breathing tests that objectively measure airflow through each side of the nose..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Deviated nasal septum?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Deviated nasal septum: Lack of measurement of the actual obstruction, since the rating specifically depends on that percentage, not just the presence of a deviation.; No ENT evaluation included, leaving the claim without the specialist assessment needed to confirm severity..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Deviated nasal septum?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Deviated nasal septum include: Sleep apnea, Chronic sinusitis. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.87 — Schedule of ratings — diseases of the ear (Diagnostic Code 6209)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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