Allergic Rhinitis VA Ratings  

Allergic rhinitis is rated by the VA at 10% or 30% and veterans can service-connect it directly, as a PACT Act presumptive for Gulf War and post-9/11 service, or as secondary to another service-connected condition.

This guide will help you understand the VA disability ratings for rhinitis, the claims process, and how to increase your rating and compensation.

What Is the VA Disability Rating for Rhinitis?

VA evaluates allergic rhinitis under diagnostic code 6522 and assigns disability ratings of 10% or 30%, based on the severity and presence of polyps.

• 30% Rating: Allergic rhinitis with polyps
• 10% Rating: Without polyps, but with greater than 50% obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side

Proving a VA Disability Claim for Allergic Rhinitis

To establish a successful VA disability claim for allergic rhinitis, you need to demonstrate:

• A current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.
• An in-service exposure or incident leading to or worsening the condition.
• A medical nexus linking the diagnosed rhinitis to the in-service exposure.

Burn Pit Presumptive Allergic Rhinitis – Who Can Get VA Benefits?

The PACT Act simplifies the process for veterans to claim VA benefits for allergic rhinitis linked to burn pit exposure. Under the PACT Act, allergic rhinitis is considered a presumptive condition for eligible veterans exposed to burn pits.

Importantly, there is no time limitation on when the diagnosis must occur after service. You can receive benefits even if your condition is diagnosed years after leaving the military.

Burn Pit Exposure Recognition

The VA automatically presumes burn pit exposure if you served in a qualifying location and period. You don’t need to provide specific documentation of your exposure. This coverage extends to various airborne hazards commonly associated with burn pit exposure, including:

• Smoke and fumes from burn pits 
• Sand, dust, and particulate matter
• Mechanical fumes and other environmental toxins

Qualifying Service Locations

You may qualify for benefits if you served in specific areas where burn pits were commonly used. These include: 

• Southwest Asia theater of operations (e.g., Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia). 
• Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria, and Djibouti during the post-9/11 era.

Time Period Requirements

The periods that qualify for presumptive service connection for allergic rhinitis from burn pit exposure are: 

• Gulf War Era Service: Served on or after August 2, 1990 
• Post-9/11 Service: Served on or after September 11, 2001. 

You must have been on active duty in a qualifying location during these timeframes.

How Does Presumptive Service Connection Work?

You don’t need to prove that burn pit exposure directly caused your allergic rhinitis, provided you meet the following criteria: 

• A current allergic rhinitis diagnosis documented by a medical provider 
• Service in a qualifying location and timeframe
• An honorable discharge from military service 

Secondary Service Connection and Aggravation

The VA can consider your allergic rhinitis a secondary condition if it arises from or is worsened by a primary service-connected condition. 

Your allergic rhinitis itself may also be the primary condition that leads to or aggravates other conditions, such as a deviated septum, opening the door to additional compensation.

Here are some conditions that may be connected to your allergic rhinitis:

• Chronic Sinusitis: Long-term inflammation of the sinuses can result from the prolonged nasal congestion and blockage associated with allergic rhinitis.
• Asthma (Allergic Asthma): Your allergic rhinitis can exacerbate or contribute to the development of allergic asthma, characterized by airway inflammation triggered by the same allergens.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis can make breathing more difficult during sleep, contributing to or aggravating obstructive sleep apnea.
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Persistent nasal congestion can affect your Eustachian tube’s ability to regulate air pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear, leading to ear pain, discomfort, and potential infections.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic reactions affecting your nose can also irritate your eyes, leading to allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by redness, itching, and watery eyes.
• Laryngeal Spasms: Rarely, allergic reactions can trigger spasms in the larynx (voice box), causing breathing difficulties and a hoarse voice.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While the connection is indirect, chronic throat clearing and coughing associated with your allergic rhinitis can aggravate GERD symptoms.
• Migraines and Headaches: Sinus pressure and allergic reactions from your rhinitis can trigger migraines or contribute to tension headaches. 
• Mood Disorders: The chronic discomfort and sleep disruption caused by allergic rhinitis can lead to mood changes, anxiety, and depression.
• Chronic Cough and Bronchitis: A persistent cough, a common symptom of allergic rhinitis, can lead to bronchitis or chronic cough syndrome.
• Dermatitis or Eczema: If you have a history of skin conditions, allergic rhinitis can sometimes exacerbate skin conditions like dermatitis or eczema.
• Fatigue: Poor sleep quality and chronic discomfort associated with allergic rhinitis can lead to significant fatigue, affecting daily activities and overall well-being.

The C&P Exam for Allergic Rhinitis

A Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is a medical evaluation conducted by a VA examiner to assess the severity of your allergic rhinitis and determine your appropriate disability rating. Its purpose is to evaluate how your condition affects your daily life.

During your C&P exam, the examiner will review your medical records and inquire about your symptoms, their frequency, and their impact on your daily activities. Your examiner may also conduct a physical examination of your nasal passages. 

Use these tips to make the most of your C&P exam:

• Provide Comprehensive Medical Records: Include any records documenting your allergic rhinitis, treatment history, and related conditions.
• Describe Your Symptoms in Detail: Be specific about how your condition affects your ability to perform daily activities.
• Be Honest and Thorough: Provide a candid and comprehensive account of your condition to ensure the examiner understands the full extent of your limitations.

Content Reviewed by

Attorney Melanie Williams

Attorney Melanie Williams, a dedicated advocate for underprivileged populations, brings her passion for justice and extensive legal experience to Hill & Ponton, where she focuses on veterans’ disability law.