Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common respiratory conditions affecting veterans especially those exposed to environmental hazards during military service. While often dismissed as “just allergies,” chronic rhinitis can significantly impact daily functioning, sleep, work performance, and overall quality of life.
For VA disability purposes, allergic rhinitis is a ratable respiratory condition, and thanks to recent legislative changes, it has become much easier for veterans to establish service connection.
“Veterans are often surprised to learn that chronic rhinitis is a compensable condition especially under the PACT Act,” says Brian Reese, VA disability expert.
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What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an immune system response that occurs when the body reacts to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or mold. These allergens trigger inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to persistent symptoms.
According to medical research, nearly 8% of adults in the United States experience rhinitis, with global prevalence estimated between 10% and 30%. Veterans exposed to poor air quality, burn pits, and desert dust face a heightened risk.
Common Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
- Sneezing
- Runny or congested nose
- Chronic coughing
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Recurrent headaches
- Skin irritation or eczema-like symptoms
- Hives
- Excessive fatigue
Symptoms may appear immediately after allergen exposure, while others such as headaches and fatigue often develop after prolonged exposure.
“Chronic inflammation from rhinitis doesn’t just affect breathing it can cause systemic fatigue and cognitive issues,” explains Dr. Laura Bennett, pulmonologist and VA medical consultant.
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Types of Allergic Rhinitis Recognized by the VA
There are two main types of allergic rhinitis, both ratable by the VA if service-connected.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
- Occurs during spring or fall
- Triggered by outdoor allergens such as pollen or grasses
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
- Occurs year-round
- Triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, or pet dander
Both forms may be considered chronic if symptoms persist over time.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Healthcare providers typically diagnose allergic rhinitis through:
- Physical examination
- Review of symptoms and exposure history
- Allergy skin testing
- Blood tests such as eosinophil counts
Common Treatments
| Treatment Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medications | Antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants |
| Immunotherapy | Allergy shots, sublingual therapy |
| Preventive Care | Avoidance of known allergens |
Long-term medication use and persistent symptoms often support VA disability claims.
Service Connection for Allergic Rhinitis
To receive VA disability compensation, veterans must generally establish service connection, which requires three elements:
- A current diagnosis of allergic or chronic rhinitis
- An in-service event, illness, injury, or environmental exposure
- A medical nexus linking the condition to service
Environmental exposures including burn pits, sandstorms, and toxic fumes are frequently cited in rhinitis claims.
“Respiratory claims are among the strongest when exposure history is clearly documented,” notes James Holloway, VA-accredited disability attorney.
Burn Pit Exposure and Allergic Rhinitis
Burn pits were widely used in post-9/11 military operations to dispose of waste, including plastics, petroleum, ammunition, and medical waste. These pits released toxic smoke and particulate matter, often in areas already suffering from poor air quality.
Veterans deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and surrounding regions were exposed to:
- Toxic combustion byproducts
- Heavy desert dust
- Windborne pollutants traveling miles from burn pit sites
These exposures significantly increased the risk of chronic respiratory conditions, including allergic rhinitis.
“Burn pit exposure created a perfect storm of airborne irritants,” says Dr. Bennett.
PACT Act Presumptions and Allergic Rhinitis
In July 2022, the PACT Act added chronic rhinitis both allergic and non-allergic to the VA’s list of presumptive conditions for toxic exposure.
Who Is a “Covered Veteran”?
Veterans qualify for presumptive service connection if they served:
On or after August 2, 1990 in:
- Bahrain
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- United Arab Emirates
On or after September 11, 2001 in:
- Afghanistan
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Syria
Veterans who served in these locations and later developed chronic rhinitis do not need to provide a medical nexus.
“The PACT Act removed one of the biggest barriers veterans faced proving causation,” explains Angela Brooks, Veterans Benefits Analyst.
VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams for Allergic Rhinitis
After filing a claim, VA may schedule a C&P exam to evaluate the severity and history of allergic rhinitis.
What Happens at a C&P Exam?
- Review of medical and service records
- Physical examination of nasal passages
- Questions about symptoms, frequency, and triggers
Veterans must attend the exam or reschedule promptly. Missing a C&P exam can result in claim denial.
Veterans may also submit a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a private physician to strengthen their claim.
How the VA Rates Allergic Rhinitis?
The VA rates allergic rhinitis under 38 CFR §4.97, Diagnostic Code 6522.
VA Rating Criteria for Allergic Rhinitis
| VA Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Allergic rhinitis with nasal polyps |
| 10% | No polyps, but >50% obstruction on both sides or complete obstruction on one side |
| 0% | Symptoms present but criteria not met |
The maximum schedular rating for allergic rhinitis is 30%.
Extraschedular Ratings for Allergic Rhinitis
If a veteran’s symptoms are exceptional or unusually severe and not adequately addressed by DC 6522, they may qualify for an extraschedular rating under 38 CFR §3.321(b)(1).
Extraschedular ratings apply when symptoms such as severe headaches, chronic fatigue, or occupational impairment go beyond the standard criteria.
“Extraschedular ratings are rare, but they exist for veterans with truly unique disability pictures,” notes Holloway.
TDIU and Allergic Rhinitis
Although allergic rhinitis caps at 30%, veterans may still qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if their combined disabilities prevent them from working.
TDIU Pathways
| Regulation | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 38 CFR §4.16(a) | One disability at 60% OR combined 70% with one at 40% |
| 38 CFR §4.16(b) | Extraschedular TDIU for veterans unable to work despite lower ratings |
Allergic rhinitis must be combined with other service-connected disabilities such as asthma, sinusitis, or mental health conditions to meet schedular TDIU thresholds.
“TDIU is about employability, not just ratings,” says Reese.
Why Allergic Rhinitis VA Ratings Matter?
Chronic allergic rhinitis affects breathing, sleep, energy levels, and productivity. For veterans exposed to toxic environments, it represents more than seasonal allergies it’s a service-related respiratory condition deserving recognition and compensation.
Understanding presumptive rules, rating criteria, and secondary options can make the difference between denial and approval.
Final Thought
Allergic rhinitis is a fully ratable VA disability, and under the PACT Act, many veterans now qualify for presumptive service connection. While ratings are limited to 10% or 30%, allergic rhinitis can still play a critical role in combined ratings, extraschedular consideration, or TDIU eligibility.
If you served in a qualifying location and suffer from chronic rhinitis, you may be entitled to tax-free VA compensation without needing to prove a nexus.
FAQs
Is allergic rhinitis a VA disability?
Yes. Allergic rhinitis is rated under Diagnostic Code 6522.
Is allergic rhinitis a presumptive condition?
Yes. Chronic rhinitis is presumptive for certain veterans under the PACT Act.
What is the maximum VA rating for allergic rhinitis?
The maximum schedular rating is 30%.
Do I need a nexus letter under the PACT Act?
No, if you qualify as a covered veteran.
Can allergic rhinitis qualify for TDIU?
Yes, when combined with other disabilities that prevent employment.
Will I have to attend a C&P exam?
Often yes, unless sufficient medical evidence is already in the record.
