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Sinusitis, ethmoid, chronic
Diagnostic code 6511 · Respiratory system · 38 CFR 4.97
VA has proposed changing these rules
The proposal (87 FR 8474 (supplemental proposal 89 FR 74162, Sept. 12, 2024), published February 15, 2022) is not in effect. The rules on this page still apply until VA publishes a final rule.
Read the proposal in the Federal RegisterRating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.97. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 6511 Sinusitis, ethmoid, chronic. |
General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC's 6510 through 6514)
The formula's heading lists diagnostic code 6511.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC's 6510 through 6514): | |
| 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 | 50 |
| 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 | 30 |
| 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 | 10 |
| Detected by X-ray only | 0 |
| Note: An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician. |
Notes for the whole table
1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter.
Related codes in the regulation
- 6510 Sinusitis, pansinusitis, chronicSame formula
- 6512 Sinusitis, frontal, chronicSame formula
- 6513 Sinusitis, maxillary, chronicSame formula
- 6514 Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronicSame formula
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.97, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Criterion October 7, 1996.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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