Allergic Rhinitis VA Ratings Guide for Veterans

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Allergic rhinitis—often called hay fever—affects thousands of veterans every year.

While it may sound minor, persistent allergic rhinitis can cause severe congestion, sinus infections, migraines, sleep problems, and even lead to secondary conditions like sleep apnea.

The VA recognizes allergic rhinitis as a compensable condition, with disability ratings ranging from 10% to 30% under diagnostic code 6522.

Thanks to the PACT Act, allergic rhinitis is also now considered a presumptive condition for many Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits and airborne hazards.

In this guide, we’ll break down how the VA rates allergic rhinitis, how to prove service connection, and what to do if your claim is denied.

Summary of Key Points

• Veterans may qualify for a VA disability rating for allergic rhinitis if they can prove a service connection through direct, secondary, or presumptive (PACT Act) criteria.

• Allergic rhinitis is rated under DC 6522 and depends on the degree of nasal obstruction and whether polyps are present.

• Allergic rhinitis VA ratings are 30% with polyps, 10% with significant obstruction but no polyps, and 0% if symptoms don’t meet those criteria.

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a condition where the immune system overreacts to allergens like pet dander, dust mites, and outdoor allergens, causing inflammation in the nasal passages.  

While airborne hazards such as smoke, pollution, or burn pit exposure can act as irritants that worsen symptoms. This reaction leads to persistent nasal congestion, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure.  

Unlike bacterial rhinitis, which stems from infections, or vasomotor rhinitis, which is triggered by environmental factors, allergic rhinitis is driven by the body’s heightened immune response to harmless substances. 

If you have VA allergic rhinitis, you may qualify for disability benefits if you can prove a service connection or link it to another service-connected condition. 

Common Causes of Allergic Rhinitis in Veterans

Many veterans develop allergic rhinitis due to in-service exposure to irritants such as: 

• Burn pits and pit exposure in the Southwest Asia theater 

• Airborne hazards, including dust, chemicals, and pollution 

• Pet hair and pet dander in military living environments 

• Dust mites and mold in poorly ventilated barracks 

• Chemical irritants from weapons or training exercises 

Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, allergic rhinitis symptoms and signs include: 

• Runny nose and nasal congestion 

• Sinus pressure 

• Watery, red, itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) 

• Sneezing 

• Cough 

• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat 

• Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners) 

• Postnasal drip 

• Fatigue 

How Does the VA Rate Allergic Rhinitis?

The VA rates allergic rhinitis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6522 in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (§ 4.97). Your rating depends on the degree of nasal obstruction and whether you have polyps:

• 30% VA Rating – With polyps
• 10% VA Rating – Without polyps, but greater than 50% obstruction of both nasal passages, or complete obstruction on one side
• 0% VA Rating – No polyps and less than 50% obstruction

Note: Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or environmental, but if your symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer, it’s considered chronic allergic rhinitis. Veterans who meet the service connection requirements (direct, secondary, or presumptive through the PACT Act) may qualify for disability compensation.

>> See our complete guide to Chronic Rhinitis VA Ratings HERE. <<

How Do I Get an Allergic Rhinitis VA Rating?

There are three primary ways you can get a VA disability rating for allergic rhinitis: 

#1: Direct Service Connection: This means an in-service event, injury, or disease related to your military service caused you to develop rhinitis. 

#2: Secondary Service Connection: You developed rhinitis due to a primary service-connected condition. 

#3: Presumptive Service Connection: If you served in the Gulf War region during the presumptive period, the VA assumes your chronic rhinitis is related to burn pits. 

How to Prove Service Connection

While your allergic rhinitis rating depends on the presence of nasal polyps and the degree of nasal obstruction, you must also prove service connection for your condition. 

To secure a service connection for allergic rhinitis, you must provide: 

1. Medical link: A current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in private medical records or VA treatment history. 

2. In-service exposure: Proof of burn pit exposure, airborne hazards, or military environmental conditions. 

3. Nexus statement: A medical link between your allergic rhinitis and active-duty service. 

VA Burn Pit Presumptive: Allergic Rhinitis

The PACT Act expansion allows more veterans exposed to burn pits and airborne hazards to qualify for presumptive service connection, making it easier to receive a chronic rhinitis VA rating. 

The presumptive period for particulate matter exposure includes service in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, and Yemen on or after September 11, 2001, or in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the United Arab Emirates on or after August 2, 1990. The airspace above any of these locations is also included. 

If the VA assumes your chronic allergic rhinitis is connected to service, you don’t need to prove direct causation, just a current diagnosis. 

Note: The VA considers rhinitis presumptive only if it is chronic; seasonal or acute allergic rhinitis is not covered. 

See More: VA Presumptive List 

Filing a VA Disability Claim for Allergic Rhinitis

You can file a VA claim online, by mail, via fax, or in person at a VA regional office. If you choose a method other than online, you’ll need to download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ.  

The VA claims process includes: 

1. Current Medical diagnosis: Get an official allergic rhinitis diagnosis from a medical provider. 

2. Service records: Document any service-related exposures (e.g., burn pits). 

3. C&P exam: The VA may require a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess the severity of your condition. 

Providing a strong medical link between your allergic rhinitis and military service may improve your chances of approval. 

VA Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis

If you suffer from conditions secondary to allergic rhinitis, you may be eligible for additional VA disability benefits. 

Veterans with allergic rhinitis may experience VA secondary conditions, including: 

• Sleep apnea: Chronic nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis can obstruct airflow, increasing the risk of sleep apnea. 

• Migraines: Sinus pressure and inflammation from allergic rhinitis can trigger or worsen migraine headaches. 

• Mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression): Persistent symptoms like congestion and poor sleep can contribute to anxiety and depression. 

• Chronic sinusitis: Ongoing nasal inflammation can lead to repeated sinus infections and chronic sinusitis. 

• Deviated septum: Chronic nasal congestion and inflammation can worsen or contribute to a deviated septum. 

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Postnasal drip and throat irritation from allergic rhinitis can trigger acid reflux and GERD. 

• Allergic asthma: Inflammation from allergic rhinitis can extend to the airways, leading to or worsening asthma symptoms. 

If you develop any of these conditions due to allergic rhinitis, you may qualify for a secondary service connection and increase your monthly compensation. 

See More: VA Secondary Conditions to Allergic Rhinitis 

Allergic Rhinitis VA Claim Denied? You Have Options

If the VA denied your allergic rhinitis VA rating, don’t give up. You still have options!  

Your VA appeal options are: 

• Higher-Level Review: Request a senior VA reviewer to reassess your case. 

• Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence. 

• Board Appeal: Take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a formal review. 

Many claims are denied due to a lack of medical evidence, an unclear service connection, or missing documentation. 

Conclusion

For many veterans, allergic rhinitis is more than just seasonal discomfort—it’s a long-term condition that impacts daily life, sleep, and overall health. The VA recognizes this by offering disability ratings based on severity, and the PACT Act has made it easier than ever for veterans with burn pit or airborne hazard exposure to qualify.

If your allergic rhinitis claim was denied, don’t give up—you may still succeed on appeal or by filing for secondary conditions. With the right medical evidence and a strong service connection, you can secure the allergic rhinitis VA rating you deserve.

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