Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 6514: Chronic Sphenoid Sinusitis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.97
- Rating range
- 0% to 50%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Respiratory system
The VA rates Chronic Sphenoid Sinusitis under diagnostic code 6514 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 6514 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Detected by X-ray only What raters look forX-ray only |
| 10% | 1-2 incapacitating or 3-6 non-incapacitating episodes/year with headaches, pain, purulent discharge What raters look for1-2 incapacitating or 3-6 episodes |
| 30% | 3+ incapacitating or 6+ non-incapacitating episodes/year What raters look for3+ incapacitating or 6+ episodes |
| 50% | Following radical surgery or near constant sinusitis What raters look forradical surgery; near constant |
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 6514 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6514?
Diagnostic code 6514 is the VA rating schedule entry for Chronic Sphenoid 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 6514?
DC 6514 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 6514 require?
The 50% rating for Chronic Sphenoid Sinusitis requires: Following radical surgery or near constant sinusitis.