Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 6510: Sinusitis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.97
- Rating range
- 0% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Respiratory system
The VA rates Sinusitis under diagnostic code 6510 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 6510 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Detected by X-ray only What raters look forX-ray only |
| 10% | One or two incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year What raters look for1-2 incapacitating or 3-6 non-incapacitating episodes/year |
| 30% | Three or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment, or more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year What raters look for3+ incapacitating or 6+ non-incapacitating episodes/year |
| 50% | Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or near constant sinusitis with purulent discharge, crusting, headaches, pain, and tenderness after repeated surgeries What raters look forradical surgery; chronic osteomyelitis; near constant sinusitis |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Sinusitis. The Sinusitis condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Sinusitis appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 2,199 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Sinusitis as the primary issue. The Sinusitis condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Sinusitis appeals generally rather than DC 6510 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6510?
Diagnostic code 6510 is the VA rating schedule entry for Sinusitis, 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 6510?
DC 6510 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6510 require?
The 50% rating for Sinusitis requires: Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or near constant sinusitis with purulent discharge, crusting, headaches, pain, and tenderness after repeated surgeries.