Enhanced Guide Available!
View our comprehensive guide with visual compensation breakdowns, evidence strategies, secondary conditions, and step-by-step filing instructions.
View Full Enhanced Guide →38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.97
Allergic Or Vasomotor Rhinitis
dc-6522-allergic-or-vasomotor-rhinitis
ENT / airway
Diagnostic code
6522
Why your DC matters: DC 6522 identifies the rating criteria VA applies to this condition. The controlling regulation and the evidence in an individual record determine the evaluation; no page can predict an outcome.
Schedule summary reviewed 2026-07-10
The rating summary below was checked against the linked primary regulation. Always confirm the version that applies to your effective date.
Catalog source snapshot:
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 6522 rates allergic or vasomotor rhinitis under 38 CFR § 4.97.
The schedule assigns 30% when polyps are present. It assigns 10% without polyps when there is greater than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
Medication use and symptoms can support the medical record, but the percentage levels in DC 6522 turn on polyps and the specified obstruction findings.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 6522 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 6522 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 6522, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Discussing whether medical-opinion evidence is needed with an accredited representative
- Reviewing any potentially related conditions with a qualified clinician and accredited representative
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6522 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.