Sinusitis, ethmoid, chronic DC 6511
VA rates it under diagnostic code 6511 in 38 CFR 4.97. Body system: Breathing & sleep.
Also searched as: sinusitis, sinus infections, chronic sinus infections.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 4 rating levels for this code: 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Rated under the general rating formula for sinusitis (§ 4.97).
Source: 38 CFR 4.97 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
This code is rated under the General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (38 CFR 4.97).
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 50% | Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or; near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries |
| 30% | Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting |
| 10% | One or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting |
| 0% | Detected by X-ray only |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.97, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Conditions it can lead to
If this condition is service connected, these conditions are often claimed as secondary to it (38 CFR 3.310). Each one still needs its own diagnosis.
Asthma DC 6602 Possible link Aggravation
Chronic sinus disease often travels with asthma and can make it harder to control.
What to gather: An asthma diagnosis, records showing it got worse with your sinus disease, and a medical opinion.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310(b) (aggravation); Asthma, rhinitis, and nasal polyp multimorbidities (Arch Bronconeumol, 2019)
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Allergic rhinitis DC 6522 Possible link
Allergic rhinitis swells the nasal passages and can block sinus drainage, raising the risk of chronic sinusitis.
What to gather: A chronic sinusitis diagnosis, ideally with imaging, and a medical opinion linking it to your rhinitis.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); MedlinePlus: Sinusitis
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Burn pits and airborne hazards (PACT Act)
Covered: Chronic sinusitis, including rhinosinusitis.
Who qualifies: Active duty on or after August 2, 1990 in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, or the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia; or on or after September 11, 2001 in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, or Yemen. The airspace above these places counts. Conditions can start any time after service.
38 CFR 3.320 and 38 U.S.C. 1119-1120. Sources: 38 CFR 3.320; VA.gov: Exposure to burn pits and other specific environmental hazards; VA.gov: Presumptive cancers related to burn pit exposure; VA.gov: The PACT Act and your VA benefits
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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