This reference uses VA rating codes. For a code from a medical record, check ICD-10-CM and the service date. A clinical code alone does not establish a VA rating or a matching VA diagnostic code.
Sinusitis, pansinusitis, chronic
Respiratory · 38 CFR § 4.97
Diagnostic Code 6510 is the VASRD entry for Sinusitis, pansinusitis, chronic. VA applies the controlling criteria, shared formulas, and special instructions shown in 38 CFR Part 4. VMC presents this material for education and reference; it does not determine a Veteran's diagnosis, service connection, or evaluation.
Recorded index labels
These labels are already stored for this diagnostic code. They are not a new condition, rating, or medical relationship.
Appendix C
- Pansinusitis
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Source-verified VASRD criteria
How VA rates this — General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC's 6510 through 6514)
These percentages summarize the regulatory criteria already mapped to this diagnostic code. They do not predict a Veteran's individual evaluation or establish service connection.
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
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
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
Detected by X-ray only
Special rating instructions
- General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC's 6510 through 6514):
Regulatory notes
- Note: An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician.
Body system and anatomy metadata
Body system: Respiratory
Anatomy / region tags: respiratory system
These tags support discovery and body-map compatibility. They do not establish Veteran-specific laterality or entitlement.
Official VA DBQ references
DBQ catalog: va-dbq-2026.09.16 · Retrieved 2026-09-16. Official VA inventory ↗
- Ear (including Vestibular and Infectious) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Ear, Nose, Throat
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Loss of Sense of Smell and or Taste ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Ear, Nose, Throat
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Sinusitis, Rhinitis and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx and Pharynx ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Ear, Nose, Throat
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Respiratory Conditions (other than tuberculosis and sleep apnea) ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Respiratory
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
- Sleep Apnea ↗ Related resourceCatalog category: Respiratory
Related by body system only. No reviewed condition-specific form match or requirement has been established.
VA maintains some examination forms that are not available for public use. VMC does not infer a one-code-to-one-DBQ relationship.
Evidence information
When reviewing the criteria, useful evidence categories can include diagnosis and treatment records, objective testing identified by the schedule, documented frequency/duration/severity when the criteria use those concepts, and functional effects described in medical or lay evidence. The relevant evidence depends on the actual claim and medical facts.
VMC does not diagnose conditions, guarantee a percentage, or advise anyone to exaggerate symptoms.
Legal basis and source identification
38 CFR § 4.97 · Source current through 2026-08-06 · Verified 2026-08-10
Registry content release: vasrd-registry-2026.08.1