This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Allergic Rhinitis
- The maximum schedular rating for allergic rhinitis is 30%, which requires the presence of nasal polyps.
- Despite low individual ratings, rhinitis is commonly claimed alongside sinusitis and both are rated separately.
- Environmental exposures during military service, including burn pits and desert dust, are recognized triggers.
- Nasal obstruction from rhinitis can contribute to or worsen obstructive sleep apnea, supporting a secondary claim.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Allergic rhinitis is a respiratory condition involving chronic inflammation of the nasal passages due to allergen sensitivity. It is rated under Diagnostic Code 6522 and is one of the more frequently claimed respiratory conditions among veterans, particularly those with environmental exposure histories including burn pits, desert dust, chemical agents, and mold.
The VA rates allergic rhinitis at two compensable levels: 10% for greater than 50% obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side, and 30% when nasal polyps are present. The relatively low maximum schedular rating belies the condition's significance, rhinitis often co-occurs with sinusitis, and the combined effect of both conditions can substantially affect a veteran's quality of life and overall rating.
While the ratings for rhinitis alone are modest, the condition serves as documented evidence of the allergic and inflammatory response that may underlie related conditions. Veterans with service-connected rhinitis should consider whether sinusitis, sleep apnea (from nasal obstruction), or other related conditions warrant separate claims.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Without polyps, but with greater than 50% obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. |
| 30% | With polyps. |
- 10%
Without polyps, but with greater than 50% obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
- 30%
With polyps.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
ENT examination
Ear, nose, and throat examination documenting nasal passage obstruction percentage, turbinate hypertrophy, and the presence or absence of polyps.
Recommended
CT scan
CT imaging of the sinuses and nasal passages showing mucosal changes, polyps, or obstruction.
Allergy testing
Skin prick or blood allergy testing documenting specific allergen sensitivities.
Medication records
Documentation of antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, and immunotherapy prescribed for rhinitis.
Helpful
Service exposure records
Documentation of environmental exposures during service, including burn pits, desert deployment, or chemical exposures that may have triggered or worsened allergic rhinitis.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Allergic Rhinitis. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Sinusitis
DC 6513, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%
Sleep Apnea
DC 6847, Typical range: 0%, 30%, 50%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Related DBQs
Sinusitis, Rhinitis, and Other Conditions of the Nose
Form 21-0960N-4
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.