Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Polyps

DC 6522Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6522

Long-lasting sinus inflammation with growths (polyps) inside your nose or sinuses that block airflow and cause recurring infections. The VA rates it based on how often polyps come back, how many surgeries you need, and how much your breathing is blocked.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6522

Rating range

0% – 50%

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 had radical surgery for your polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis, but the polyps keep coming back. You have near-total or total nasal obstruction despite treatment.

What the VA looks for

Multiple revision sinus surgeries documented
Recurrent polyps despite surgical intervention
Near-total nasal obstruction on examination
Chronic purulent discharge or crusting
Headaches and facial pain requiring ongoing treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan of the sinuses before your C&P exam — the VA needs imaging to confirm the extent of polyp disease and sinus involvement.
⚠Not documenting the number of sinus infections per year — keep a log of every antibiotic course and doctor visit for sinus symptoms.
⚠Not claiming loss of smell (anosmia) as a separate issue — polyps commonly cause loss of smell, which the VA can rate separately.
⚠Not connecting polyps to in-service environmental exposure — burn pit smoke, dust, and chemical irritants are recognized causes of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Sinusitis/Rhinitis

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

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% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have had radical surgery for your polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis, but the polyps keep coming back. You have near-total or total nasal obstruction despite treatment.

What the VA looks for

Multiple revision sinus surgeries documented
Recurrent polyps despite surgical intervention
Near-total nasal obstruction on examination
Chronic purulent discharge or crusting
Headaches and facial pain requiring ongoing treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan of the sinuses before your C&P exam — the VA needs imaging to confirm the extent of polyp disease and sinus involvement.

⚠Not documenting the number of sinus infections per year — keep a log of every antibiotic course and doctor visit for sinus symptoms.

⚠Not claiming loss of smell (anosmia) as a separate issue — polyps commonly cause loss of smell, which the VA can rate separately.

⚠Not connecting polyps to in-service environmental exposure — burn pit smoke, dust, and chemical irritants are recognized causes of chronic rhinosinusitis.