Veterans Disability Ratings for Sinusitis

A sinus infection is also known as sinusitis. It happens when the tissues that border the sinuses become inflamed and swollen. It is a condition that can be chronic. Chronic sinusitis can last three months or more, with episodes lasting up to eight weeks. In some situations, veterans may be eligible for assistance with this condition—however, every veteran needs to understand the VA rating for sinusitis.

Service Connection For Sinusitis

On August 2, 2021, the Department of Veterans Affairs began handling claims for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis. For people exposed during their military service and whose disease appeared within ten years of their service, claims are now being evaluated on a presumptive basis.

For veterans who served in the Southwest Asia area of operations, Syria, Djibouti, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, particulate matter pollution has been linked to chronic sinusitis.

To be successful in a service connection, you will need to provide evidence of:

• A current diagnosis of a disability is being claimed.
• An incident that occurred in-service caused or aggravated the disability being claimed.
• A medical link exists between the current, diagnosed handicap and the incident in the workplace.

Incidents such as a diagnosed case of sinusitis while on duty following exposure to a particularly high-particulate day or a flare of sinusitis while operating in the Southwest Asia area of operations are examples of in-service connection events. Exposure to burn pits has also been connected to this illness; therefore, a history of exposure could aid in establishing an in-service link.

How Does The VA Rate Sinusitis?

The VA must assess if you qualify for disability compensation after your C&P exam. Sinusitis, para sinusitis, and chronic sinusitis are all associated with Diagnostic Code 6510. The following is the general VA rating for sinusitis formula:

• A rating of 0% is awarded if sinusitis is discovered by X-ray solely.
• Suppose sinusitis causes one or two incapacitating episodes per year and requires long-term antibiotic therapy (four to six weeks), a 10% grade is given. When a person has three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year with symptoms of purulent discharge, crusting, pain, and headaches, a 10% rating is utilized.
• If three or more incapacitating incidents per year require long-term antibiotics for four to six weeks, a rating of 30% disability is given. For cases of six or more non-incapacitating bouts with symptoms of purulent discharge, crusting, discomfort, and headaches, a 30% grade may be utilized.
• Those who require radical surgery for sinusitis with chronic osteomyelitis receive a VA rating for sinusitis of 50%. Those with near-constant sinusitis who continue to have symptoms after multiple procedures may be assigned a 50 percent grade.

For vasomotor or allergic rhinitis without polyps but 50% or higher blockage of the nasal passageways on both sides, a 10% grade is utilized under Diagnostic Code 6522. It can also be employed if one side is entirely blocked. If polyps (growths) are detected, the score increases to 30%.

Incapacitating episodes occur when a doctor orders a vet to stay on bed rest.

On August 2, 2021, the Department of Veterans Affairs began handling claims for asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis. For people exposed during their military service and whose disease appeared within ten years of their service, claims are now being evaluated on a presumptive basis.

For veterans who served in the Southwest Asia area of operations, Syria, Djibouti, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, particulate matter pollution has been linked to chronic sinusitis.

Incidents such as a diagnosed case of sinusitis while on duty following exposure to a particularly high-particulate day or a flare of sinusitis while operating in the Southwest Asia area of operations are examples of in-service connection events. Exposure to burn pits has also been connected to this illness; therefore, a history of exposure could aid in establishing an in-service link.