Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis as Chronic Respiratory Diseases: VA Ratings, Secondaries, and Presumptive Conditions

03/04/2025 | VA Disability Manager LLC |

Understanding Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis in Veterans

Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are common chronic respiratory conditions that affect many veterans, often worsening due to environmental exposures during service. These conditions can significantly impact quality of life, leading to headaches, breathing difficulties, and secondary complications. The VA recognizes both allergic rhinitis and sinusitis as compensable disabilities under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) when linked to military service.

VA Disability Ratings for Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis

Allergic Rhinitis (Diagnostic Code 6522)

  • 10% Rating: Allergic rhinitis without nasal polyps but with greater than 50% obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
  • 30% Rating: Allergic rhinitis with nasal polyps.

Chronic Sinusitis (Diagnostic Codes 6510-6514)

  • 0% Rating: Diagnosed sinusitis but without incapacitating episodes or antibiotic treatment.
  • 10% Rating: One or two incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment (lasting four to six weeks), or three to six non-incapacitating episodes with headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.
  • 30% Rating: Three or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year.
  • 50% Rating: Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis or near-constant sinusitis with headaches, pain, and persistent symptoms despite repeated surgeries.

Secondary Conditions Related to Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis

Because these respiratory conditions affect overall health, veterans can often claim secondary conditions that stem from or aggravate their allergic rhinitis and sinusitis:

Common Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis

  • ASTHMA (Aggravation due to chronic inflammation and airway obstruction)
  • SLEEP APNEA (Nasal obstruction and chronic inflammation impacting airway function)
  • CHRONIC BRONCHITIS (Persistent airway irritation from sinus drainage)
  • EAR INFECTIONS (Recurrent otitis media due to sinus congestion)
  • MIGRAINES (Frequent sinus headaches linked to chronic inflammation)
  • GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD) (Post-nasal drip causing irritation and reflux)
  • CHRONIC COUGH/BRONCHOSPASMS (Due to mucus buildup and airway sensitivity)

Conditions That May Be Secondary to Other Service-Connected Disabilities

While rhinitis and sinusitis can be primary service-connected conditions, they can also be secondary to other service-connected disabilities such as:

  • ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES (Burn Pits, Gulf War Syndrome, Agent Orange, etc.)
  • TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) (Impairing sinus drainage and increasing susceptibility to inflammation)
  • POST-DEPLOYMENT RESPIRATORY SYNDROMES (Linked to particulate exposure in Iraq and Afghanistan)
  • PTSD & ANXIETY (Increased susceptibility to inflammation due to chronic stress)

Presumptive Service Connection Under TERA (Toxic Exposure Risk Assessment)

Recent legislation and evolving VA policies recognize respiratory conditions like allergic rhinitis and sinusitis as presumptive for veterans exposed to toxic substances during service. Veterans who served in locations with high environmental risks may qualify for automatic service connection without needing to prove direct causation.

Presumptive Exposure Categories for Allergic Rhinitis & Sinusitis

  • Burn Pit Exposure (Post-9/11 Gulf War Veterans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southwest Asia conflicts)
  • Gulf War Illness (Undiagnosed and chronic multisymptom illnesses including respiratory disorders)
  • Jet Fuel, Asbestos, and Industrial Chemical Exposures (Aircraft maintenance, shipyard workers, mechanics, etc.)

Agent Orange Exposure Clarification

The VA recognizes certain respiratory cancers (lung, larynx, trachea, and bronchus cancers) as presumptive conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure. However, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are not currently on the VA’s presumptive list for Agent Orange exposure. Veterans with these conditions may still qualify for service connection if they can provide a medical nexus linking their condition to Agent Orange exposure or another in-service event.

How to Strengthen Your VA Claim

Filing for VA disability compensation for allergic rhinitis or sinusitis requires strong evidence. Veterans should:

  1. Get a Medical Diagnosis – Ensure official records document the chronic condition.
  2. Gather Service Records – Prove exposure or symptoms onset during military service.
  3. Obtain a Nexus Letter – A medical opinion linking the condition to service.
  4. Track Symptoms & Treatment – Maintain a journal of flare-ups, medications, and doctor visits.
  5. File for Secondary Conditions – Identify related conditions and include them in the claim.

Final Thoughts

Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are not just minor inconveniences—they can be chronic, disabling conditions that significantly impact a veteran’s health and quality of life. Whether these conditions are directly service-connected, secondary to another disability, or fall under presumptive service connection, veterans should be aware of their rights and potential compensation. If you need assistance filing your VA claim, reach out and contact VA Disability Manager today and schedule a free consultation to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.