Diagnostic Code 6502: Deviated Nasal Septum Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.97
- Rating range
- 0% to 10%
- Rating levels
- 2
- Body system
- Respiratory system
The VA rates Deviated Nasal Septum under diagnostic code 6502 in 38 CFR § 4.97. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 6502 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Traumatic deviation without the obstruction required for 10 percent; 38 CFR 4.31 assigns 0 percent when the compensable requirements are not met What raters look fortraumatic deviation; obstruction below the 10 percent requirement |
| 10% | Traumatic only, with 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side What raters look fortraumatic deviation; 50 percent obstruction of both nasal passages; complete obstruction on one side |
DC 6502 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 291 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 6502 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 14.4%, denied 73.5% and sent 12.0% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 6502 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Deviated Septum. The Deviated Septum condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Deviated Septum appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,241 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Deviated Septum, 2021 to 2026. The Deviated Septum condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Deviated Septum appeals generally rather than DC 6502 specifically. The DC 6502 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6502?
Diagnostic code 6502 is the VA rating schedule entry for Deviated Nasal Septum, found in 38 CFR § 4.97. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 6502?
DC 6502 provides ratings of 0%, 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6502 require?
The 10% rating for Deviated Nasal Septum requires: Traumatic only, with 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 6502?
In 286 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 6502 from 2021 to 2026, 14.0% were granted, 74.1% denied and 11.9% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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