Diagnostic Code 6522: Allergic Rhinitis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.97
- Rating range
- 10% to 30%
- Rating levels
- 2
- Body system
- Respiratory system
The VA rates Allergic Rhinitis under diagnostic code 6522 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 6522 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Without polyps, but with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side What raters look forgreater than 50 percent obstruction of both nasal passages; complete obstruction on one side |
| 30% | With polyps What raters look forwith polyps |
DC 6522 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 2,725 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 6522 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 14.3%, denied 77.0% and sent 8.7% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
By the rating the Board's order named
Only orders that state a rating percentage with a date are counted. An order denying a rating "in excess of 50 percent" names the existing rating; a grant may name the rating awarded. These are not all ratings veterans requested.
| Rating the order named | Decided rulings | Granted |
|---|---|---|
| 10 percent | 159 | 48.4% |
Recorded exam issues in remanded DC 6522 rulings
Percentages use all 237 rating rulings under this code the Board remanded, 2021 to 2026. Some rulings have no recorded exam classification, and small categories are not shown, so these rows need not total 100 percent.
- The VA exam or opinion was not adequate86.1%
- The exam was out of date or the condition had worsened6.3%
- No exam problem recorded4.6%
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 6522 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 Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out.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 Allergic Rhinitis. The Allergic Rhinitis condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Allergic Rhinitis appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 7,781 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Allergic Rhinitis, 2021 to 2026. The Allergic Rhinitis 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 Allergic Rhinitis appeals generally rather than DC 6522 specifically. The DC 6522 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 6522?
Diagnostic code 6522 is the VA rating schedule entry for Allergic Rhinitis, 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 6522?
DC 6522 provides ratings of 10%, 30%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6522 require?
The 30% rating for Allergic Rhinitis requires: With polyps.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 6522?
In 2,679 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 6522 from 2021 to 2026, 13.3% were granted, 77.9% denied and 8.8% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
Free help filing a claim
An accredited veterans service officer (VSO) can file your claim and represent you at no cost. Find a VSO office near you, with phone numbers and addresses in all 50 states and DC.