VASRD 6522 · Respiratory System
Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor VA Disability Rating
Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis causes chronic nasal congestion, runniness, and sneezing, either from allergens or from a non-allergic sensitivity to irritants like temperature changes or strong smells. The VA rating is based specifically on nasal airflow obstruction and the presence of nasal polyps, not on the severity of sneezing or congestion alone.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor
The rating hinges on two specific findings: the presence of nasal polyps (which supports the higher tier) or, without polyps, whether nasal passages are more than 50 percent obstructed on both sides or completely obstructed on one side.
Approval outlook
High (75–80%)
Veterans service-connected
819,645 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •ENT evaluation notes specifically documenting nasal obstruction findings or the presence of polyps.
- •A CT scan, which can confirm polyps or structural nasal blockage.
- •Allergy test results, useful for establishing the allergic subtype and its chronic nature.
Strategy Tips
- •Clarify your specific triggers and current medication use with your provider, since this helps establish a consistent, credible pattern of chronic symptoms.
- •Get an ENT exam that specifically documents whether polyps are present and measures nasal airflow obstruction, since these are the exact findings the rating schedule requires.
- •Describe how the condition affects breathing or sleep, since chronic nasal obstruction commonly disrupts sleep quality as well.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not having polyp history documented, since the presence or absence of polyps is a direct factor in which rating tier applies.
- •An exam that doesn't measure the percentage of nasal obstruction, leaving no basis for the without-polyps rating tier.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Confusing rhinitis with sinusitis in your statement or evidence, since they're rated under different codes with different criteria.
- •Not documenting the specific degree of nasal obstruction, since that percentage is literally what the lower rating tier depends on.
Onset Patterns
- •Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis often develops from environmental exposures during service or from chronic, ongoing allergies that worsen over time.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Sinusitis
Sleep apnea
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor is frequently claimed.
Common questions about Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor
- Is Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor under VASRD diagnostic code 6522 (Respiratory System). Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis causes chronic nasal congestion, runniness, and sneezing, either from allergens or from a non-allergic sensitivity to irritants like temperature changes or strong smells. The VA ratin…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor?
- Possible VA ratings for Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor are 30%, 10%. Examples: 30%: With polyps; 10%: Without polyps, but with greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), 819,645 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor as of September 30, 2025. Estimated approval…
- What evidence helps prove Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor claim includes: ENT evaluation notes specifically documenting nasal obstruction findings or the presence of polyps.; A CT scan, which can confirm polyps or structural nasal blockage.; Allergy test results, useful for establishing the allergic subtype and its chroni…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor: Confusing rhinitis with sinusitis in your statement or evidence, since they're rated under different codes with different criteria.; Not documenting the specific degree of nasal obstruction, since that percentage is literally what the lower rating tier d…
- Is Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
- Yes, Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor is recognized as a presumptive condition. The VA presumes service connection if you meet the qualifying service criteria, which reduces the evidence burden compared to a direct service-connection claim.
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor include: Sinusitis, Sleep apnea. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.97 — Schedule of ratings — respiratory system (Diagnostic Code 6522)
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025
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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