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View Full Enhanced Guide →38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.97
Sinusitis Pansinusitis Chronic
dc-6510-sinusitis-pansinusitis-chronic
ENT / airway
Diagnostic code
6510
Why your DC matters: DC 6510 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 6510 — Sinusitis, Pansinusitis, Chronic — covers chronic inflammation of the sinuses, listed under 38 CFR § 4.97.
Chronic sinusitis can be rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50% based on the number of sinus groups affected, symptom persistence, and requirement for treatment. Most veterans receive 10% or 30%.
For a comprehensive guide with visual compensation breakdowns, secondary conditions, evidence strategies, and claim timelines, visit the detailed guide page for this condition.
Exact rating criteria: 0% for detected by X-ray only, 10% for one or two groups affected with occasional antibiotic or intermittent antibiotic treatment, 30% for three or more groups affected requiring prolonged treatment, 50% for incapacitating episodes requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment at least four times per year or more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year requiring antibiotic treatment.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 6510 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 6510 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 6510, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6510 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.