The short answer is no; there is no specific nasal polyps VA disability rating.
However, you may still qualify for VA compensation and benefits.
This quick guide will cover what you need to know if you have nasal polyps, how to service connect your condition, and how to file for VA disability.
Let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that can cause headaches, coughing, and a runny nose.
- There is no specific nasal polyps VA disability rating; instead, you may be rated based on the condition that is causing the nasal polyps.
- It’s highly recommended you receive a current medical diagnosis to service connect your condition.
What are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths inside the nose. However, you may develop long-term symptoms like:
- Runny nose
- Itching around the eyes
- Decreased sense of smell or taste
- Cough
- Headache
While typically painless, nasal polyps can be a symptom of sinusitis, a ratable VA condition. Or you may qualify for an allergic rhinitis with polyps VA disability, which has similar symptoms to the common cold but can significantly impact your daily life.
So, while there is no specific nasal polyps VA rating, you may still be eligible for VA compensation and benefits.
It’s essential you receive a medical diagnosis because it’s significantly more challenging to obtain a VA rating without a current medical diagnosis of your condition.
How the VA Rates Nasal Polyps
Since there is no nasal polyps VA disability rating, your VA claim must be for a VA-ratable condition.
For example, sinusitis, which causes nasal polyps, is rated under diagnostic codes (DC) 6510 through 6514 with 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50%, depending on the severity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms.
| General Rating Formula for Sinusitis | VA Rating |
| Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries | 50% |
| Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting | 30% |
| One or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting | 10% |
| Detected by X-ray only | 0% |
Note: An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician.
Related: Learn more about how to get a Sinusitis VA Rating HERE.
Proving Service Connection
To service connect your condition, you must prove documentation of the following three things:
- A current diagnosis of an identified disability;
- An in-service event, injury, or illness that caused or aggravated the disability;
- A medical nexus (or link) between the present condition and the incident. (can be a Nexus Letter)
How to File a VA Claim
It’s typically fastest to file your VA claim online, but you have other options.
You can file your VA claim one of the following ways:
- By mail
- Via fax
- In person at a local regional VA center
If you don’t file your VA claim online, you’ll need to download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ.
RELATED
- 3 Best Ways to Get a VA Sinusitis Rating
- VA Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis
- Is Your Sinusitis Causing other Disabilities? 4 Secondary Conditions to Sinusitis
- 5 Tips For a Chronic Rhinitis VA Rating
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting the compensation they’re due. At VA Claims Insider, we educate you on how to understand and take control of the claims process so you can get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law.
Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating fast! If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us!
Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you deserve!
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
