Sinusitis is rated under 38 CFR 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6513, which uses a general rating formula for sinusitis. The criteria distinguish between incapacitating episodes (requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician) and non-incapacitating episodes, which are defined as episodes with headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting. A 30 percent rating generally requires either three or more incapacitating episodes per year, or more frequent non-incapacitating episodes (characterized by headaches, pain, purulent discharge, or crusting) occurring more than six times a year. A 10 percent rating applies to one or two incapacitating episodes per year, or three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year.
Because non-incapacitating episodes do not require a doctor visit to "count," the challenge is proving frequency and symptoms without a paper trail from a physician each time. Several forms of evidence can help fill that gap. A personal symptom log or diary, kept contemporaneously, noting dates, duration, specific symptoms (headache location and severity, nasal discharge color and amount, facial pressure, crusting), and any over-the-counter or prescribed treatment used, is one of the most useful tools. Buddy statements from a spouse, roommate, or coworker who can describe observing these episodes (missed work, visible congestion, requests to stay home) add credibility. Pharmacy records showing refills of antibiotics, decongestants, or nasal steroids can corroborate frequency even without an office visit each time. If any episodes did result in a sick call, urgent care visit, or primary care appointment, those records should be gathered as well, even if the specialist ENT was not involved.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →If the VA has not already ordered a Compensation and Pension examination, a veteran can request one, and should bring the symptom log to that exam so the examiner has objective documentation rather than relying on memory. A formal, signed personal statement (Statement in Support of Claim, VA Form 21-4138) summarizing the pattern and frequency of episodes over the past year is also appropriate to submit alongside lay and buddy statements.
The concrete next step is to start a dated symptom log today, collect buddy statements from people who have witnessed the episodes, pull pharmacy refill history, and submit all of it together with a VA Form 21-4138 personal statement when the claim or increase request is filed.
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