Conditions / Respiratory
38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6510-6514 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for Chronic sinusitis
VA rates Chronic sinusitis under diagnostic code 6510-6514 (Sinusitis (pansinusitis, ethmoid, frontal, maxillary, sphenoid)) at 4 levels from 0% to 50%. The lowest paid level, 10%, is worth $180.42 a month and the highest, 50%, $1,132.90 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025. The levels come from the General Rating Formula for Sinusitis.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 6510-6514
- 2Highest level 50% · $1,132.90
- 3Lowest paid level 10% · $180.42
Rating criteria for DC 6510-6514
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 50% | Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of the affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries. |
| 30% | Three or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. |
| 10% | One or two incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. |
| 0% | Detected by X-ray only. |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.97 Schedule of ratings, respiratory system, diagnostic code 6510-6514, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | 55 → 60% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | 37 → 40% |
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | 19 → 20% |
| 0% | $0.00 | $0.00 | 10 → 10% |
2 of the 3 compensable levels are 30% or higher, where dependents raise the payment; below that the rate is flat. A 0% level means the condition is service connected but not compensable: it pays nothing by itself, yet it is on record if it worsens. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $952.48 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
How this rating fits a claim
This code reaches 40% or more, the level one disability needs under 38 CFR 4.16(a) when several disabilities together reach 70% for unemployability. A rating under DC 6510-6514 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Sleep apnea (DC 6847)
- Asthma (DC 6602)
- COPD (DC 6604)
- Allergic rhinitis (DC 6522)
Pay at the top level: 50% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 10% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.97, diagnostic code 6510-6514. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.