If you’ve filed a VA disability claim for allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, the Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is one of the most important steps in the process. This exam often determines whether your condition is service connected and what disability rating you may receive.
Allergic rhinitis claims are increasingly common among veterans, especially those exposed to burn pits, dust storms, and environmental pollutants during service. Understanding how the exam works and how the VA evaluates symptoms can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
As VA disability expert Brian Reese explains, “A C&P exam isn’t about treatment it’s about documentation. Veterans who prepare properly put themselves in the strongest position for approval.”
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Understanding the VA C&P Exam for Allergic Rhinitis
What Is the Purpose of the Exam?
The VA uses the allergic rhinitis C&P exam to answer three key questions:
- Does the veteran have a current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis?
- Is the condition connected to military service, either directly, secondarily, or presumptively?
- How severe are the symptoms in terms of frequency, severity, and duration?
The examiner’s findings are recorded on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and sent to a VA rater, who makes the final decision.
Key Features of the Allergic Rhinitis C&P Exam
| Exam Component | What the VA Evaluates |
|---|---|
| Medical diagnosis | Confirmation of allergic rhinitis |
| Nasal obstruction | Percentage of blockage in nasal passages |
| Nasal polyps | Presence or absence |
| Functional impact | Effect on work and daily life |
| Service connection | Direct, secondary, or presumptive |
| Documentation | Completion of the Rhinitis DBQ |
A former VA examiner notes, “The DBQ is the backbone of the rating decision. Every checkbox matters more than most veterans realize.”
Eligibility Rules for Allergic Rhinitis VA Claims
To qualify for VA disability compensation for allergic rhinitis, veterans must generally meet these criteria:
- A current medical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
- Evidence of military service exposure or aggravation
- A medical nexus linking the condition to service
Allergic rhinitis may qualify as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to burn pits or airborne hazards in certain locations and time periods, which significantly lowers the burden of proof.
According to Brian Reese, “Presumptive eligibility removes the ‘why’ question. Veterans only need to show they served in the right place at the right time.”
VA Disability Ratings for Allergic Rhinitis Explained
The VA assigns only two possible ratings for allergic rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6522:
| Rating | VA Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Allergic rhinitis with nasal polyps |
| 10% | No polyps, but greater than 50% obstruction on both sides or complete obstruction on one side |
| 0% | Diagnosed, but criteria above not met |
This limited rating structure makes exam accuracy critical. Even small documentation errors can mean the difference between compensation and a denial.
A VA-accredited attorney explains, “If polyps aren’t documented clearly, the VA cannot legally assign 30 percent even if symptoms are severe.”
What Happens During the Allergic Rhinitis C&P Exam?
1. Interview and Symptom Questionnaire
The examiner will ask about:
- When symptoms began
- How often they occur
- Known triggers such as dust, smoke, or chemicals
- Medications used and their effectiveness
Be clear, honest, and specific.
2. Medical History Review
Your VA and private medical records will be reviewed, including:
- ENT visits
- Allergy testing
- Prescriptions like antihistamines or nasal steroids
3. Physical Examination
The exam focuses on the nose, throat, and eyes. The examiner may check:
- Nasal airflow
- Swelling or redness
- Turbinate hypertrophy
- Signs of polyps
4. Functional Impact Assessment
You may be asked how symptoms affect:
- Sleep quality
- Attendance at work
- Concentration and productivity
As one VA clinician states, “Functional impact is often overlooked by veterans, but it’s a required part of the exam.”
5. DBQ Completion
All findings are recorded on the Sinusitis/Rhinitis DBQ and forwarded to the VA.
Common Questions Asked at the Rhinitis C&P Exam
Veterans are often evaluated or asked about:
- Degree of nasal obstruction
- Presence of nasal polyps
- Permanent turbinate hypertrophy
- Granulomatous conditions
- Imaging studies
- Impact on employability
These questions directly map to rating criteria, making preparation essential.
Environmental and Service-Related Causes in Veterans
Allergic rhinitis in veterans is often linked to service-related exposures, including:
- Burn pit smoke and toxic fumes
- Desert dust and sandstorms
- Mold in barracks or ships
- Diesel exhaust and jet fuel
- Frequent relocations to new climates
A military environmental health researcher notes, “Repeated exposure to airborne irritants during deployments can permanently sensitize nasal tissues.”
How to Prepare for Your Allergic Rhinitis C&P Exam?
Preparation Checklist
| Action Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Gather medical records | Confirms diagnosis and treatment |
| Track symptoms | Shows frequency and severity |
| List work impacts | Supports functional impairment |
| Review DBQ | Avoids missed details |
| Understand rating rules | Prevents underreporting |
Keeping a short symptom diary for several weeks before the exam is one of the most effective preparation strategies.
Brian Reese advises, “Don’t minimize your symptoms. This is not the time to tough it out.”
Recent Updates Affecting Rhinitis Claims (2025–2026)
- Expanded PACT Act presumptive coverage continues into 2026
- Increased examiner focus on airborne exposure history
- Higher scrutiny of nasal obstruction measurements
Veterans filing new or supplemental claims should ensure their exposure history is clearly documented.
Why This C&P Exam Matters for Veterans?
Although allergic rhinitis may seem minor compared to other conditions, it can significantly affect sleep, work performance, and quality of life. A correct VA rating provides:
- Monthly tax-free compensation
- Access to VA healthcare for the condition
- A foundation for future secondary claims
As one veteran advocate explains, “A 10 or 30 percent rating today can unlock thousands of dollars over a lifetime.”
FAQs
Can allergic rhinitis be presumptive?
Yes, especially for veterans exposed to burn pits or airborne hazards.
Will I always have an in-person exam?
Most rhinitis exams are in person, but records-only exams are possible.
Do medications affect my rating?
No, ratings are based on obstruction and polyps, not treatment success.
Can allergic rhinitis be rated higher than 30%?
No, 30% is the maximum schedular rating.
Can rhinitis be secondary to another condition?
Yes, such as sinusitis, asthma, or environmental exposure-related conditions.
