The rating ladder
What the VA looks for at each percentage.
How to describe it (and win the rating)
- DC 6502 has only two rating levels: 0% and 10%. 10% is the maximum schedular rating under this code.
- The rating hinges on measurable percentage of airway obstruction, so the examiner must document obstruction bilaterally (both sides) and unilaterally (one side) separately.
- For a compensable (10%) rating, the criteria are disjunctive: EITHER 50% obstruction on BOTH sides OR complete (100%) obstruction on ONE side satisfies it.
- The deviation must be traumatic in origin to be rated under 6502; congenital or developmental deviation generally is not compensable as a disability.
- Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, snoring, or congestion are not, by themselves, rating criteria; the percentage of obstruction is the controlling factor.
Evidence that helps
- Nasal examination (rhinoscopy) documenting the percentage of airway obstruction on the LEFT side and RIGHT side separately.
- Evidence of a traumatic cause/event for the septal deviation (e.g., service treatment records of facial/nasal injury, buddy statements, incident reports).
- Notation of whether obstruction on either side is complete or partial, with the specific percentage where possible.
- VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination report addressing DC 6502 criteria.
- Imaging (CT of sinuses/nose) if available, corroborating the septal deviation.
- Nexus opinion linking the deviated septum to the in-service trauma.
Next steps
Related conditions & secondary claims
Conditions medically linked to Deviated Septum — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:
- Rhinitis / sinusitis — A deviated septum obstructs airflow and is commonly claimed with rhinitis.
- Chronic sinusitis — Septal deviation contributes to chronic sinus problems.
Common questions
What is the VA disability rating for deviated septum?
The VA rates deviated septum under 38 CFR diagnostic code 6502. The rating tiers are: 0% — Traumatic deviation of the nasal septum with less than 50% obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, OR less than complete obstruction on one side.; 10% — Traumatic deviation of the nasal septum with 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, OR complete obstruction on one side.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.
How much VA disability compensation is deviated septum?
Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Deviated Septum can be rated from 0% to 10%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.
What evidence do I need for a deviated septum VA claim?
Evidence that helps includes: Nasal examination (rhinoscopy) documenting the percentage of airway obstruction on the LEFT side and RIGHT side separately.; Evidence of a traumatic cause/event for the septal deviation (e.g., service treatment records of facial/nasal injury, buddy statements, incident reports).; Notation of whether obstruction on either side is complete or partial, with the specific percentage where possible.; VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination report addressing DC 6502 criteria.; Imaging (CT of sinuses/nose) if available, corroborating the septal deviation.; Nexus opinion linking the deviated septum to the in-service trauma..
How do I get the correct rating for deviated septum?
To be rated accurately: DC 6502 has only two rating levels: 0% and 10%. 10% is the maximum schedular rating under this code.; The rating hinges on measurable percentage of airway obstruction, so the examiner must document obstruction bilaterally (both sides) and unilaterally (one side) separately.; For a compensable (10%) rating, the criteria are disjunctive: EITHER 50% obstruction on BOTH sides OR complete (100%) obstruction on ONE side satisfies it.; The deviation must be traumatic in origin to be rated under 6502; congenital or developmental deviation generally is not compensable as a disability.; Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, snoring, or congestion are not, by themselves, rating criteria; the percentage of obstruction is the controlling factor..
Wondering if you're rated too low for this? We read your VA file and check.
Find my claim opportunities →Educational summary of the 38 CFR Part 4 criteria — simplified, not the full regulation, and not medical or legal advice. The VA rates on your specific evidence. Describe your worst days honestly; never exaggerate. Confirm criteria in 38 CFR Part 4. US Vet Help is not affiliated with the VA and does not file claims.