Respiratory

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses that may produce recurring episodes, pain, discharge, or require surgery.

Regulatory summaries checked against eCFR current through July 9, 2026 · condition-library-2026.07.09 · record ebca14b6c78a

Quick rating reference

How VA may evaluate Sinusitis

Select a diagnostic code or shared formula to see the criteria that apply to that manifestation.

Verified summaries are labeled

Potential codesDC 6510 · DC 6511 · DC 6512 · DC 6513 · DC 6514

Verified evaluation levels0% · 10% · 30% · 50%

Rating paths shown1

Shared rating formula

General Rating Formula for Sinusitis

The shared formula considers episode frequency, characteristic symptoms, prolonged antibiotic treatment, and post-surgical disease.

Plain-language summary verified

EvaluationPlain-language criteria summary

Detected by X-ray only

Sinusitis is shown by imaging without the episode pattern required for a compensable level.

10%

1–2 incapacitating or 3–6 other episodes yearly

Incapacitating episodes require 4–6 weeks of antibiotics; other episodes include headache, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.

30%

3+ incapacitating or over 6 other episodes yearly

The same regulatory treatment and characteristic-symptom definitions apply.

50%

Severe disease after surgery

Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or near-constant characteristic sinusitis after repeated surgeries.

The schedule defines an incapacitating episode as requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician.

This reference explains the schedule; it does not predict an individual rating. VA determines the applicable code and evaluation from the complete record.

Overview

Sinusitis preparation benefits from a longitudinal record: diagnosis, episode frequency, treatment duration, imaging, antibiotic history when prescribed, and any surgery or persistent complications.

What VA measures

The General Rating Formula for Sinusitis covers diagnostic codes 6510 through 6514. It considers incapacitating or non-incapacitating episodes, characteristic symptoms, prolonged antibiotic treatment, surgery, and ongoing disease after surgery.

Number and type of episodes over time

Headache, pain, purulent discharge, or crusting

Prolonged antibiotic courses when prescribed

Surgical history and persistent complications

Evidence that may be useful

ENT or primary-care diagnosis
Imaging or endoscopy reports
Medication and antibiotic history
Surgery and follow-up records
Calendar of episodes and missed activities

Helpful documentation habits

Separate sinus episodes from migraine or allergy symptoms
Record clinician visits and treatment length
Keep imaging and operative reports
Track characteristic symptoms for each episode

Common preparation gaps

Counting every congestion day as a sinusitis episode
Not distinguishing sinusitis from rhinitis
Failing to document treatment courses

Diagnostic-code map

A diagnosis or body part can involve more than one code. The applicable code depends on the medical findings and manifestations in the record.

DC 6510§ 4.97

Pansinusitis