Allergic Rhinitis

DC 6522Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6522

Ongoing nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing caused by allergies. The VA rates allergic rhinitis based on whether you have nasal polyps and the degree of nasal obstruction.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 6522

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6522. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have nasal polyps. This is the maximum rating for allergic rhinitis.

What the VA looks for

Nasal polyps confirmed on examination or imaging
CT scan showing polyps
Nasal endoscopy documenting polyps
History of polypectomy (surgical removal)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan or nasal endoscopy — the presence or absence of polyps is the key factor, and a basic physical exam may miss them.
⚠Not connecting rhinitis to in-service environmental exposures such as burn pits, dust, sand, or chemical irritants.
⚠Forgetting to file for chronic sinusitis separately — rhinitis and sinusitis are rated under different diagnostic codes and can be combined if symptoms are distinct.
⚠Not documenting the degree of nasal obstruction — vague complaints of congestion are not enough. An examiner needs to measure or estimate the percentage of obstruction.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Sinusitis, Rhinitis, and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx, and Pharynx

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Allergic Rhinitis or rated under the same body system.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory

Bronchial Asthma

DC 6602·Respiratory

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DC 6604·Respiratory

Chronic Sinusitis

DC 6510·Respiratory

Pulmonary Embolism (Residuals)

DC 6817·Respiratory

Sarcoidosis

DC 6846·Respiratory

Bronchiectasis

DC 6601·Respiratory

Pulmonary Fibrosis (Interstitial Lung Disease)

DC 6833·Respiratory

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6522

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have nasal polyps. This is the maximum rating for allergic rhinitis.

What the VA looks for

Nasal polyps confirmed on examination or imaging
CT scan showing polyps
Nasal endoscopy documenting polyps
History of polypectomy (surgical removal)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan or nasal endoscopy — the presence or absence of polyps is the key factor, and a basic physical exam may miss them.

⚠Not connecting rhinitis to in-service environmental exposures such as burn pits, dust, sand, or chemical irritants.

⚠Forgetting to file for chronic sinusitis separately — rhinitis and sinusitis are rated under different diagnostic codes and can be combined if symptoms are distinct.

⚠Not documenting the degree of nasal obstruction — vague complaints of congestion are not enough. An examiner needs to measure or estimate the percentage of obstruction.