How the VA Rates Sinusitis, Chronic
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC 6510–6514) criteria a VA rater evaluates Sinusitis, Chronic against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC 6510–6514)
Sinusitis, Chronic · 4 levels
- 50%$1,132.90a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 10%$180.42a month
- 0%$0 · still service-connected
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC 6510–6514)
- Diagnostic codes
- 6510, 6511, 6512, 6513, 6514
- Levels in the schedule
- 0% · 10% · 30% · 50%
- Top level (50%) pays
- $1,132.90/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC 6510–6514) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 50%
$1,132.90/month
Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis; OR near-constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and tenderness of the affected sinus, with purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Near-constant sinusitis with headaches, pain, tenderness
- Purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries
- Chronic osteomyelitis after radical sinus surgery
- 30%
$552.47/month
Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (4–6 weeks) antibiotic treatment; OR more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 3+ incapacitating episodes/year needing prolonged antibiotics, or
- More than 6 non-incapacitating episodes/year
- Recurrent purulent discharge and crusting
- 10%
$180.42/month
One or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (4–6 weeks) antibiotic treatment; OR three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 1–2 episodes/year needing 4–6 weeks of antibiotics, or
- 3–6 milder episodes/year with headaches, pain, purulent discharge
- Facial pressure/pain over the sinuses
- 0%
$0/month (0% is still service-connected)
Sinusitis detected by imaging only, without incapacitating or non-incapacitating episodes.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Sinus disease seen on CT/X-ray
- No symptomatic episodes documented
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
The evidence that matters most
Documented episode frequency in medical records
C&P exam tips for Sinusitis, Chronic
- 1What wins this rating: a treatment record documenting the NUMBER of episodes per year and whether they were 'incapacitating' (bed rest and antibiotics) — frequency is the rating driver. An 'incapacitating episode' requires bed rest and treatment by a physician.
- 2Bring antibiotic prescription history showing prolonged (4–6 week) courses.
- 3Document headaches, facial pain/pressure, purulent discharge, and crusting at each episode.
- 4List any sinus surgeries (e.g., FESS) and whether symptoms persisted afterward.
Common mistakes on Sinusitis, Chronic claims
- Not tracking the number of episodes per year — this single fact decides the rating.
- Calling an episode 'incapacitating' without documentation of bed rest and physician-directed treatment.
- Not bringing the antibiotic course history.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Sinusitis, Chronic?
Sinusitis, Chronic is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC 6510–6514) — diagnostic codes 6510, 6511, 6512, 6513, 6514.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Sinusitis, Chronic?
50% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Sinusitis, Chronic. The criteria at that level describe: Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis; OR near-constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and tenderness of the affected sinus, with purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.
How much does a 50% VA rating for Sinusitis, Chronic pay in 2026?
$1,132.90 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Can Sinusitis, Chronic be claimed as a secondary condition?
Yes — veterans commonly file Sinusitis, Chronic secondary to Asthma under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. What carries a secondary claim is a medical nexus opinion connecting it to the service-connected condition.
Related tools & guides
Build your Sinusitis, Chronic claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.