United States · VA disability · 38 CFR 4.97
VA diagnostic code 6522: allergic rhinitis.
Rating criteria for diagnostic code 6522, quoted from the regulation.
DC 6522 has two levels: 30 percent with polyps, and 10 percent without polyps but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
The short version
DC 6522 has two levels: 30 percent with polyps, and 10 percent without polyps but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. The levels in the code are 10 and 30 percent.
DC 6522 rating criteria
Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis
| Criteria (quoted from the regulation) | Rating |
|---|---|
| With polyps | 30% |
| Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side | 10% |
How to read DC 6522
DC 6522 is in the nose and throat section of the respiratory schedule (38 CFR 4.97). The code does not rate symptoms such as sneezing or congestion by themselves; the text is built on two findings: whether nasal polyps are present, and how much of the nasal passage is obstructed.
The two levels are mutually exclusive in the way the text is written: 30 percent is for polyps, and 10 percent is for no polyps with either more than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side. There is no listed level for obstruction at or below those thresholds, and the code has no notes.
Related nose and sinus codes appear in the same section of 4.97. Which code applies to a given condition is part of the rating decision; this page covers only the 6522 criteria.
What this page does not do
It does not diagnose, pick a diagnostic code, estimate your rating or advise on a claim. Every rating decision depends on the medical evidence and on VA’s application of the full schedule, including provisions this page does not reproduce.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rating levels for DC 6522?
Thirty percent with polyps; 10 percent without polyps but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side (38 CFR 4.97).
What is the highest rating for allergic rhinitis?
30 percent, for rhinitis with polyps.
Is there a rating for rhinitis with less than 50 percent obstruction?
The code lists no compensable level below the 10 percent obstruction criteria.
Does the 10 percent level need both sides blocked?
It needs either greater than 50-percent obstruction on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side.
Does DC 6522 cover vasomotor rhinitis too?
Yes. The code title is Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis.
Does this page say what rating I should get?
No. It reproduces the published criteria. VA decides the diagnosis and the rating, and this page is not medical or claim advice.
Sources
Read directly from the primary sources below on November 2, 2026 (eCFR text current through October 29, 2026). Quotations are the regulation text; anything labelled as a reading or calculation is TNAADO's. The schedule is amended from time to time, so check the linked section for the latest text.
Reference, not a VA determination, medical advice or claim advice
Rating criteria summarized from 38 CFR 4.97 as of October 29, 2026 (eCFR). This page reproduces published criteria so you can read them; it does not tell you whether you qualify, what your rating should be, or how to file. VA decides the diagnosis, the code and the rating. It is not legal, financial or medical advice; an accredited representative (VSO, attorney or claims agent) can review your case.