What is the VA Rating for Allergic Rhinitis?

Service-connected allergic rhinitis is eligible for VA disability compensation if a veteran meets the rating schedule requirements.

Summary

• Veterans exposed to airborne irritants during military service, such as smoke from burn pits, may qualify for VA disability benefits for allergic rhinitis
• The VA lists seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, as a presumptive condition.
• The VA rates allergic rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6522. It offers a 10% rating for partial nasal blockage and a 30% rating if polyps are present.
• To increase a VA rating for allergic rhinitis, veterans can document symptoms, seek medical opinions, and provide other evidence of the condition’s impact.
• A veterans disability attorney can assist in gathering evidence and building an appeal to avoid a VA claim denial for seasonal allergies.
• Pre-existing seasonal allergies may qualify for VA benefits if they were aggravated by service. However, proving this requires extensive documentation of symptoms before and after service.

If you find yourself suffering from seasonal allergies following your discharge from active duty military service, you may benefit from exploring whether you qualify for a VA rating for allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.

Exposure to particulate matter while in the military has been known to cause or aggravate seasonal allergies in veterans. However, these can be difficult claims to prove.

Rely on the expertise of our veterans disability benefits denial attorneys to successfully appeal for a VA rating for allergic rhinitis. To schedule a free consultation, speak with our team by calling (855) 795-0281 or filling out an online contact form.

Disability Compensation for Service-Related Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a condition brought on by exposure to airborne irritants that trigger allergic reactions. Basically, it is a fancy name for seasonal allergies. Typically, the body is able to absorb or filter out some level of potential irritants with minimal issues. 

However, when a veteran is exposed to high levels of allergens or their system is sensitive to a foreign particulate, their immune system has an exaggerated response. Consequently, the veteran may suffer from symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as:

• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Sneezing
• Coughing  
• Post-nasal drip
• Irritated eyes and throat

Veterans who inhaled smoke from toxic burn pits, dust particles from duty stations in desert climates, and other irritants while serving on active duty may have a basis for a VA disability benefits claim for service-related allergic rhinitis.

In fact, the VA has acknowledged this connection between exposure to allergens and chronic rhinitis inflammation. As of 2024, chronic rhinitis is now a presumptive condition for particulate matter exposure, along with sinusitis and asthma.

Veterans With Seasonal Allergies May Qualify for a VA Rating for Allergic Rhinitis

Once you have established that your seasonal allergies are service-connected, then it is a matter of getting a VA rating that reflects your symptoms. The VA rating schedule for respiratory conditions describes allergic rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6522. Veterans can secure a 10% VA rating or a 30% VA rating for service-related allergic rhinitis. 

The criteria for seasonal allergy ratings are as follows:

10% rating: The veteran either has one nasal passage that is completely blocked due to inflammation/congestion, or both nasal passages are partially blocked. If the veteran is seeking this rating based on the blockage of both nasal passages, both must be over 50% obstructed. This rating does not require the presence of polyps.

30% rating: The veteran also has polyps in their nose or sinuses. These growths can contribute to hay fever symptoms and interfere with breathing.

Note that the VA rates allergic rhinitis separately from bacterial rhinitis and Granulomatous rhinitis, both of which offer higher disability ratings. A medical provider can help confirm your allergic rhinitis diagnosis to ensure that you are applying for the right kind of rhinitis VA rating.

How to Increase Your VA Rating for Allergic Rhinitis

If you are stuck at a 0% rating for seasonal allergies and you are trying to increase your rating to 10%, you have to show that you are experiencing a certain level of nasal obstruction.

If you have a 10% VA rating for allergic rhinitis and you want to secure a 30% rhinitis VA rating, you will need to prove that you have also developed polyps.

In either case, there are a few things you can do to help increase your VA disability rating for allergic rhinitis:

• Document your symptoms and maintain a record of your treatments
• Get statements from friends, family, and co-workers who have witnessed the impact of your seasonal allergies
• Keep your medical provider updated on your symptoms and follow the treatments they prescribe
• Submit to a Compensation and Pension exam if the VA requests one
• Get a veterans disability benefits denial attorney to review your case

Trust a Veterans Disability Claims Attorney With Your Rhinitis Rating

A veterans disability benefits lawyer can help build your appeal and anticipate any potential weak spots in your claim. For instance, they can collect evidence that the in-service exposure you described supports the severity of your symptoms to avoid a VA denial. 

They also bring experience and credibility to a veterans allergic rhinitis disability claim, which can help you secure the VA rating you deserve. Then, you can leverage that rating to collect disability benefits for your service-connected allergic rhinitis.

Find Out What Our Team Can Offer Your VA Allergic Rhinitis Disability Claim

At VetLaw, we take pride in helping veterans with service-connected disabilities, such as allergic rhinitis, overcome rating reductions, denials, and other obstacles to obtain the VA disability benefits they rightfully deserve.

Get in touch with our team to schedule a free consultation by calling (855) 795-0281 or filling out an online contact form. We will gladly discuss how to improve your allergic rhinitis VA rating to secure veteran disability compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the VA offer a rating for pre-existing seasonal allergies?

Although it is possible, securing VA disability benefits for pre-existing seasonal allergies is often a challenge for veterans. You’ll need to show that:

• You had seasonal allergies before you joined the military
• During your military service, you experienced conditions that aggravated your allergic rhinitis symptoms
• Your seasonal allergies are measurably worse now than they were prior to your military service and worse than they otherwise would have been if you had not served

Many veterans do not have an official diagnosis for seasonal allergies that predates their service, as allergic rhinitis can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications.

Additionally, allergic rhinitis can mimic other respiratory illnesses. These factors can make it more complicated to secure a VA rating for allergic rhinitis as a pre-existing condition.

How do I know if I have seasonal allergies or a cold?

Although you should consult a medical professional for an official diagnosis, there are several differences between seasonal allergies and a typical cold that can help you distinguish which one you have. With seasonal allergies, it’s more likely that:

• Your eyes are itchy and/or bloodshot
• You probably don’t have a fever or sore muscle
• You tend to get the same symptoms around the same time each year
• Your symptoms last longer

Should I sign up for the burn pit registry if I have a VA rating for allergic rhinitis?

You don’t have to already have a VA rating for seasonal allergies to sign up for the Burn Pit Registry. However, if you have allergic rhinitis you believe is service-related, the Burn Pit Registry may be able to help you figure it out.

All you need to qualify is service in one of the locations the VA has identified as a source of burn pit exposure.