Nasal Polyps

DC 6524Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6524

Noncancerous growths in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses that can block airflow and cause breathing problems. The VA rates based on the degree of nasal obstruction and the need for surgery.

Rating Levels

You have had radical surgery with chronic osteitis, or you have near-constant sinusitis with headaches, pain and tenderness, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.

What the VA looks for

Radical nasal/sinus surgery with chronic osteitis
Near-constant sinusitis symptoms after repeated surgeries
Persistent headaches, pain, and tenderness
Purulent discharge or crusting documented
Multiple surgical records for polyp removal

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the degree of nasal obstruction on both sides (percentage blocked) — the 10% rating requires greater than 50% obstruction bilaterally or complete obstruction unilaterally.
⚠Not reporting recurrence after surgical removal — nasal polyps often grow back, and repeated surgeries support a higher rating.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like chronic sinusitis or sleep apnea caused by nasal obstruction — these are rated separately and can increase your combined rating.
⚠Not connecting to military environmental exposures such as burn pits, chemical irritants, and desert dust that may have triggered chronic nasal inflammation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Sinusitis, Rhinitis, and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx, and Pharynx

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…