Chronic rhinitis, long-term inflammation of the nasal passages, can be more than just annoying; it can qualify for VA disability compensation when connected to your military service. In recent years, especially under the PACT Act, chronic rhinitis has become one of the respiratory conditions for which many veterans can get service-connected more easily.
This guide explains how chronic rhinitis is rated by the VA, how to qualify (including PACT Act presumptions), how it can be claimed as a secondary service connection, and practical tips to improve your disability claim.
Overview of VA Chronic Rhinitis Compensation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| VA Condition | Chronic Rhinitis (allergic, bacterial, or granulomatous) |
| Rating Codes | 6522 (Allergic/Vasomotor), 6523 (Bacterial), 6524 (Granulomatous) |
| Typical Ratings | 10% or 30% allergic; 10% or 50% bacterial; 20% or 100% granulomatous |
| Key Evidence Needed | Diagnosis, symptoms severity, nasal obstruction/polyps |
| Service Connection | Direct, secondary, or presumptive under PACT Act |
| Secondary Claims | Possible when rhinitis results from another service-connected disability |
| PACT Act Presumption | Chronic rhinitis presumed for certain toxic exposures (e.g., burn pits) |
1. How VA Rates Chronic Rhinitis?
The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) to evaluate rhinitis, usually under three diagnostic codes: allergic/vasomotor (6522), bacterial (6523), and granulomatous (6524).
Allergic/Vasomotor Rhinitis (DC 6522):
- 30% – Nasal polyps are present.
- 10% – No polyps, but there’s >50% obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
These ratings reflect how much the condition blocks breathing and causes daily symptoms.
Bacterial Rhinitis (DC 6523):
- 50% – Severe disease (rhinoscleroma).
- 10% – Permanent hypertrophy of turbinates with major obstruction.
This category covers bacterial inflammation or infection with lasting structural changes.
Granulomatous Rhinitis (DC 6524):
- 100% – Conditions like Wegener’s granulomatosis (now granulomatosis with polyangiitis) or lethal midline granuloma.
- 20% – Other chronic granulomatous conditions.
Granulomatous cases are rare but can warrant a very high rating if severe.
Note: A 0% rating may still be granted to recognize service connection without current severity, useful for establishing secondary or future claims.
2. Service Connection: Direct, Secondary & PACT Act
Direct Service Connection
To be directly service-connected, you must show:
- A current diagnosis of chronic rhinitis.
- Evidence of in-service onset, injury, or exposure (e.g., irritants, allergens, burn pits).
- A medical nexus linking the condition to service.
Documentation from service treatment records and a nexus letter from a clinician strengthens your claim.
Secondary Service Connection
Chronic rhinitis may also be secondary to another service-connected disability, such as chronic sinusitis or asthma. If one service-connected condition causes or aggravates rhinitis, you can file it as a secondary claim, potentially increasing your overall disability rating.
PACT Act Presumption
One of the most impactful changes in recent years is that chronic rhinitis is now a presumptive condition under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards in certain areas and time frames. Under this presumption, you do not need to prove a medical nexus; you only need to:
- Have a current diagnosis of chronic rhinitis, and
- Show service in qualifying locations/timeframes (e.g., Southwest Asia from 1990 onward or Afghanistan, Syria, Djibouti, etc., after 9/11).
This presumption removes one of the toughest hurdles in VA claims: proving causation.
3. Tips to Improve Your Chronic Rhinitis Claim
Gather Strong Medical Evidence
Collect medical records from both military and post-service care, including ENT evaluations and diagnostic studies that document persistent symptoms, obstruction, and nasal polyps.
Document Severity and Impact
Describe how chronic rhinitis affects everyday life, sleep disruption, sinus infections, medication use, and daily functional limitations.
Get a Nexus Opinion
Even with PACT Act presumptions, a nexus letter from an ENT or pulmonologist linking your condition to toxic exposure or a service episode can strengthen eligibility and effective date arguments.
Consider Combined Conditions
If you have sinusitis, asthma, or sleep apnea, include these conditions in your claim package. Judges and raters sometimes grant combined benefits when symptoms overlap.
Track Flare-Ups and Treatment History
Because rhinitis symptoms fluctuate, a symptom diary or treatment history showing long-term, recurrent issues can help overcome underestimation at C&P exams.
4. Secondary Conditions Related to Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis can be linked to a variety of related service-connected conditions, potentially increasing overall compensation:
- Sinusitis
- Asthma
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Sleep apnea (sometimes secondary due to upper airway inflammation)
- Migraines/headaches related to nasal obstruction
These secondary connections require evidence showing how the primary condition leads to or worsens the secondary condition. A thorough medical Nexus letter is especially helpful.
Final Thoughts
Chronic rhinitis is a VA-recognizable disability, and thanks to changes under the PACT Act, many veterans exposed to airborne toxins like burn pits now have a simpler path to service connection. Whether you pursue direct evidence of in-service onset, use the PACT Act presumptive rules, or link rhinitis as a secondary condition, the right documentation and medical support can make a big difference in your disability claim.
If you’re filing a new claim or seeking an increase in your rating, consider consulting a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or accredited representative to help you build the strongest possible case.
FAQs
Can chronic rhinitis be automatically service-connected under the PACT Act?
Yes, chronic rhinitis is a presumptive condition if you served in qualifying areas and timeframes and have a diagnosis, which removes the need to prove causation.
What’s the highest VA rating for rhinitis?
Severity and type determine your rating; allergic rhinitis maxes at 30%, bacterial rhinitis up to 50%, and severe granulomatous forms at 100%.
Can I get an increase later?
Yes. If symptoms worsen (e.g., development of nasal polyps or greater obstruction), you can file for an increase with updated evidence.
Does a 0% rating still matter?
Yes. A 0% rating establishes service connection and can support secondary claims and future increases.
Do I need CT scans or specialist reports?
While not mandatory, detailed ENT reports, imaging, and documentation of obstruction or polyps significantly strengthen your claim.
