Allergic rhinitis, characterized by inflammation in the nose due to allergen exposure, such as dust, pollen, or animal dander, affects a significant number of veterans. This guide will help you understand the rhinitis VA ratings, the claims process and how to increase your rating.
The VA Disability Ratings for Rhinitis
VA categorizes allergic rhinitis under the diagnostic code 6522, with ratings from 10% to 30%, based on the severity and presence of polyps:
- 30% rating – allergic rhinitis with polyps
- 10% rating – without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side
These ratings reflect the condition’s impact on a veteran’s life but are also integral to understanding potential compensation.
Proving a VA Disability Claim for Allergic Rhinitis
To establish a successful VA disability claim for allergic rhinitis, veterans need to demonstrate:
- A current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.
- An in-service exposure or incident leading to or worsening the condition.
- A medical nexus linking the diagnosed rhinitis to the in-service exposure.
Burn Pit Presumptive Allergic Rhinitis – Who Can Get VA Benefits?
The PACT Act simplifies the process for veterans to claim VA benefits for allergic rhinitis linked to burn pit exposure. Under the PACT Act, allergic rhinitis is considered a presumptive condition for eligible veterans exposed to burn pits, with no time limitation on when the diagnosis must occur after service. Here’s a breakdown of eligibility requirements.
Qualifying Service Locations
Veterans may qualify for benefits if they served in specific areas where burn pits were commonly used. These include:
- Southwest Asia theater of operations (e.g., Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia).
- Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria, and Djibouti during the post-9/11 era.
- Other locations where burn pit exposure occurred.
If you served in one of these areas, the VA presumes exposure to airborne hazards, including burn pit toxins, as part of your military service.
Time Period Requirements
The periods that qualify for presumptive service connection for allergic rhinitis from burn pit exposure are:
- Gulf War Era Service – served on or after August 2, 1990.
- Post-9/11 Service – served on or after September 11, 2001.
Veterans must have been on active duty in a qualifying location during these timeframes.
Presumptive Service Connection
Veterans with allergic rhinitis don’t need to prove direct causation if they meet these criteria:
- Current rhinitis diagnosis documented by a medical provider.
- Service in a qualifying location and timeframe, as outlined above.
- Honorable discharge from military service.
This presumption streamlines the claims process by removing the requirement to prove direct causation. Veterans no longer need to demonstrate a time-specific manifestation of allergic rhinitis after separation.
Burn Pit Exposure Recognition
The VA automatically presumes burn pit exposure for veterans who served in qualifying locations and periods. No specific documentation of exposure is required. Coverage extends to various airborne hazards, including:
- Smoke and fumes from burn pits
- Sand, dust, and particulate matter
- Mechanical fumes and other environmental toxins
Secondary Service Connection and Aggravation
Allergic rhinitis can also be considered a secondary condition, arising from or exacerbated by a primary service-connected condition. Conditions such as a deviated septum or sinusitis, which may develop or worsen due to a primary illness or injury from service, can be linked to allergic rhinitis, offering avenues for additional compensation.
Here’s a list of possible connected conditions to consider:
- Chronic Sinusitis: Long-term inflammation of the sinuses, often resulting from prolonged nasal congestion and blockage associated with allergic rhinitis.
- Asthma (Allergic Asthma): Allergic rhinitis can exacerbate or contribute to the development of asthma, particularly allergic asthma, characterized by airway inflammation triggered by the same allergens.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis can lead to difficulties in breathing during sleep, contributing to or aggravating obstructive sleep apnea.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Persistent nasal congestion can affect the Eustachian tube’s ability to regulate air pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear, leading to ear pain, discomfort, and potential infections.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic reactions that affect the nose can also irritate the eyes, leading to allergic conjunctivitis, characterized by red, itchy, and watery eyes.
- Laryngeal Spasms: Rarely, allergic reactions can trigger spasms in the larynx (voice box), causing breathing difficulties and a hoarse voice.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): The link between allergic rhinitis and GERD isn’t direct, but chronic throat clearing and coughing can aggravate GERD symptoms.
- Migraines and Headaches: Allergies and sinus pressure from rhinitis can trigger migraines or contribute to tension headaches.
- Mood Disorders: The chronic discomfort and sleep disruption caused by allergic rhinitis can lead to mood changes, anxiety, and depression.
- Chronic Cough and Bronchitis: Persistent coughing, a common symptom of allergic rhinitis, can lead to bronchitis or chronic cough syndrome.
- Dermatitis or Eczema: Allergic reactions, including those from rhinitis, can sometimes exacerbate skin conditions like dermatitis or eczema, especially in individuals with a history of these skin issues.
- Fatigue: The poor sleep quality and chronic discomfort associated with allergic rhinitis can lead to significant fatigue, affecting daily activities and overall well-being.
The C&P Exam for Allergic Rhinitis
C&P exams are critical for evaluating the severity of allergic rhinitis and determining eligibility for benefits. During the exam, it’s essential to communicate the extent of your symptoms accurately. Veterans are encouraged to provide comprehensive medical records and to articulate the impact of their symptoms on daily activities.
How to Secure an Allergic Rhinitis VA Rating
- Medical Documentation: Compile all relevant medical records and evidence of diagnosis.
- Proof of Service Connection: Document any in-service exposures to allergens or irritants.
- Nexus Letter: A statement from a medical professional linking your rhinitis to service exposure is invaluable.
- PACT Act Consideration: For burn pit exposure, ensure your service falls within the covered locations and dates.
- Secondary Conditions: Identify and document any secondary conditions that have arisen as a result of allergic rhinitis.
Veterans do not need to navigate these challenges alone; legal assistance from experts familiar with VA claims can be a valuable asset.
Content Reviewed by
Attorney Melanie Williams
Attorney Melanie Williams, a dedicated advocate for underprivileged populations, brings her passion for justice and extensive legal experience to Hill & Ponton, where she focuses on veterans’ disability law.
