Top 5 Tips For a Chronic Rhinitis VA Rating

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As a veteran, you’ve faced many battles. But brawling with the VA to get the benefits you’ve earned shouldn’t be one of them!

That’s why we’re serving up top tips to make getting a chronic rhinitis VA rating that much easier.

Top 5 Tips for Getting a Chronic Rhinitis VA Rating

In the following sections, we’re going to reveal and explain several things you need to know about a VA rating for Chronic Rhinitis.

But don’t stop there! After these tips, we cover a few other frequently asked questions about a Rhinitis VA rating.

1. Submit an Intent to File

Even if you don’t have a diagnosis yet, go submit an Intent to File ASAP! In fact, if you even suspect you have rhinitis, stop reading and go submit one right now.

Submitting an Intent to File is one way to make sure you have the earliest effective date possible.

Effective dates are important because they determine when you become eligible for VA benefits. 

If there is a gap in time between when you become eligible and when you start receiving benefits, you could have some back pay headed your way!

The 3 Ways to Submit an Intent to File

1. Online: Initiate a claim through the va.gov website.
2. By Mail: Submit VA Form 21-0966. Once completed, you can bring it to a VA regional office near you or mail it to:

3. Over the phone: Just call 800-827-1000 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.

We strongly recommend submitting your VA intent to file using VA Form 21-0966 or through the VA website. This way you’ll have a paper trail to fall back on, just in case. 

PRO TIP: Just like in the military–and any other government agency, for that matter–you should always keep a paper trail!

2. Know Which Rhinitis You Have

Having Chronic Rhinitis just means you have a form of Rhinitis that has lasted longer than 12 weeks.

For VA purposes, there are actually THREE  types of Rhinitis. Each has its own diagnostic code (DC):

• Allergic Rhinitis (DC 6522)
  • With polyps: rated at 30%
  • Without polyps, but greater than 50% obstruction of both nasal passages or total obstruction on one side: rated at 10%
• Bacterial Rhinitis (DC 6523)
  • Rhinoscleroma: rated at 50%
  • With permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side: rated at 10%
• Granulomatous rhinitis (DC 6524)
  • Wegener’s granulomatosis, lethal midline granuloma: rated at 100%
  • Other types of granulomatous infection: rated at 20%

As you can see from the different rating percentages, getting a Chronic Rhinitis VA rating for the correct type of rhinitis can make a huge difference in your VA benefits.

Be sure to submit your claim for the right one!

How Do I Know Which Rhinitis I Have?

This is determined by a medical doctor. When considering your claim, the VA will only accept a diagnosis from a licensed medical professional.

3. Nail Your C&P Exam

Your Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam is your chance to tell a VA doctor how your disability negatively affects your life. You don’t want to over-exaggerate your symptoms, but you don’t want to play the tough guy, either. 

Simply telling the truth about your disability is what makes a good C&P Exam.

Doing well on your exam is crucial to getting your Chronic Rhinitis VA rating. Here are a few tips from our post 10 EXPERT Tips to DOMINATE Your C&P Exam:

• Read Through Your Military, VA, and Private Medical Records
• Do Not Describe Your Best Day
• Be “Uncomfortably Vulnerable”
• Explain How Your Disabilities Are Limiting Your Work, Life, and Social Functioning
• Know Your True Story Completely, Plus Any In-Service Incidents or Stressor Events
• Give the C&P Examiner a Detailed Picture of Your Life Before, During, and After Service

Following these tips will help you give the examiner an accurate picture of how your disability negatively impacts you and your family’s life.

4. Chronic Rhinitis VA Rating: PACT Act

Getting a VA rating for chronic rhinitis is now easier, thanks to the burn pit presumptives of the PACT Act.

The PACT Act is a new law that expands benefits available for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic chemicals during their time in service.

Chronic Rhinitis was added to the list of Gulf War era and post-9/11 presumptive conditions with the passing of the PACT Act.

A presumptive condition is a disability the VA automatically assumes was caused or made worse by your service.

Because of the PACT Act, if you have Chronic Rhinitis and meet the service requirements, the VA will automatically assume it was caused or made worse by your military service.

How to File a PACT Act Claim

You can file a claim for a disability that’s now presumptive because of the PACT Act the same way as any other claim.

We’ve written several posts with detailed instructions for filing a VA claim, such as How to File a VA Claim – A Comprehensive FAQ Guide.

5. Document Your Symptoms

To be eligible for a Chronic Rhinitis VA rating, you must prove you’ve had symptoms for at least 12 weeks.

Documenting your symptoms is a great way to collect that evidence. 

This will also help during your C&P Exam. Telling the examiner, “I’ve had these specific symptoms five days a week for the past 12 weeks,” is much better than telling them, “I’ve had a cold for a while.”

VA Secondary Conditions to Rhinitis

Is your Chronic Rhinitis causing fallout in other parts of your body? 

If so, you could be eligible for a VA rating for VA Secondary Conditions to Rhinitis.

Secondary conditions are ratable disabilities that are caused by another service-connected condition. 

They are rated in the same way as primary conditions and can lead to a huge boost to your VA rating.

A few common examples of VA secondary conditions to rhinitis include:

• Sleep apnea (DC 6847): rated at intervals of 0%, 30%, 50%, and 100%
• Sinusitis (DCs 6510-6514): rated at intervals of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%
• Migraines (DC 8100): rated at intervals of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%

How Do I Prove My Chronic Rhinitis is Service Connected?

Because of the PACT Act, you don’t have to prove service connection to get a Chronic Rhinitis VA rating.

If you meet the service requirements, the VA will automatically assume your military service caused your Chronic Rhinitis or made it worse.

What are the Service Requirements?

If you served in any of these locations and time periods, you could be eligible for a Chronic Rhinitis VA Rating:

On or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations:

• Afghanistan
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Syria
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen
• The airspace above any of these locations

On or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations:

• Bahrain
• Iraq
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• The airspace above any of these locations

What if I Don’t Meet the Service Requirements?

If you don’t meet the service requirements, then your Chronic Rhinitis won’t be considered presumptive.

This means you’ll have to prove your condition is service-connected the old-fashioned way.

To prove service connection, you’ll need:

1. Medical Diagnosis. No medical diagnosis, no service connection
2. Evidence of an In-Service Event, Injury, Disease, or Aggravation. If you got sick or injured while on active duty and can link the condition to your injury or illness, or you had an injury or illness before joining the military, and your time in the service worsened the condition.
3. Nexus. A nexus statement (or a Nexus letter) can provide a link between #1 and #2 via competent medical evidence.

Chronic Rhinitis VA Rating (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VA Rating for Chronic Rhinitis?

The VA rating for Chronic Rhinitis can range from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity and which type of rhinitis you have. 

The rating is based on the severity of the condition, frequency of infection, and how much it hampers daily functioning and quality of life.

Can I get a VA Rating for Both Chronic Rhinitis and Another Respiratory Condition?

Yes, as long as they don’t produce overlapping symptoms.

The VA awards rating percentages based on your symptoms and their severity. You can’t get a VA rating for two conditions that produce the same symptoms.

For example, you can’t get a VA rating for Chronic Rhinitis and Chronic Sinusitis (DC 6510) if they both produce nosebleeds and nasal passage blockage.

But if one produces nosebleeds and nasal passage blockage, and the other produces ear infections and fatigue, then you could get two separate VA ratings.

Can I get a 100% VA Rating for Chronic Rhinitis?

Yes, you can get a 100% rating for Wegener’s granulomatosis.

But if you receive a lower VA rating for Chronic Rhinitis, but your symptoms make it impossible for you to maintain substantially gainful employment, then you could be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

How Do I Apply for a VA Rating for Chronic Rhinitis?

You can apply for a VA rating for Chronic Rhinitis by filing a VA disability claim for benefits. 

You’ll need to provide medical evidence demonstrating that you have the condition and that you either meet the presumptive service requirements or can prove service connection.

What if I Disagree with the VA’s Rating Decision for My Chronic Rhinitis?

If you disagree with the VA’s rating decision, you can file an appeal. 

There are 3 types of appeals you can file with the VA:

1. Supplemental Claim. Use this if you have new and relevant evidence.
2. Higher-level Review. Use this if you believe there’s an error with the decision on your claim.
3. Board Appeal. Use this if you want a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review your case.

Can My VA Rating for Chronic Rhinitis Increase Over Time?

Yes, if your chronic rhinitis symptoms worsen or become more frequent or severe, you can request a VA rating reevaluation by filing an increase claim.

If the VA determines your condition has worsened, your rating could increase.

Will Other Respiratory Problems Affect My VA Rating for Chronic Rhinitis?

Yes, if you have other conditions that are related or secondary to chronic rhinitis (such as sinusitis or asthma), these could affect your overall VA rating.

How Long Does it Take to Get a VA Rating for Chronic Rhinitis?

The timeline to get a VA rating for Chronic Rhinitis can vary. It depends on factors such as the complexity of the claim, the need for medical examinations or expert opinions, and whether additional evidence is required. 

On average, the VA tries to complete processing within 125 days.

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

Veterans understand better than anyone that the battle doesn’t end when you return home, and dealing with chronic health issues like rhinitis can be an added stressor. But remember your health matters, and you deserve a VA rating that reflects your genuine needs. 

Whether you want to file a claim for a Chronic Rhinitis VA rating or want to boost your rating by filing for something secondary to rhinitis, we want to make sure you get the benefits you’re due.

Check the huge list of free resources VA Claims Insider has to offer and all the great information on our blog. If you’ve got VA claims questions, we’ve got answers.

If you want to take the next step and file a VA claim, reach out and schedule your FREE VA Claims Insider Discovery Call. This 30-minute, no-obligation call with a VA claims expert will lay out a clear strategy you can use to get the VA benefits you’ve earned!