Can Veterans Receive VA Disability for Rhinitis?
The PACT Act covers a lot of ground for military veterans, providing them with access to disability compensation for many medical conditions due to toxic burn pit and chemical exposure. Medical conditions caused by this toxic exposure, like rhinitis or sinusitis, can impact the day-to-day life of veterans, making it difficult to sleep, breathe, or go outside. Veterans who have been diagnosed with rhinitis want to know — can veterans receive VA disability for rhinitis?
What Is the VA Disability Rating for Rhinitis?
Yes. Veterans can receive disability for rhinitis and other respiratory conditions that can be caused or impacted by exposure to burn pits or toxic chemicals. The symptoms of rhinitis can include nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, sneezing, a runny nose, itchy nose and throat, fatigue, headaches, sinus pressure, and reduced sense of smell. With a rhinitis diagnosis from a medical professional and an established service connection, veterans can receive a disability rating that ranges from 0%, 10%, to 30% based on the severity of symptoms and the diagnosis.
Here is a better look at the disability ratings for rhinitis:
- 0% Rating: Less severe congestion and other symptoms.
- 10% Rating: Higher than 50% blockage of nasal passages in both nostrils or complete blockage on one side — without nasal polyps.
- 30% Rating: Increased blockage of the nasal passages with nasal polyps.
What Are the Types of Rhinitis?
There are two basic types of rhinitis — allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis may also be called seasonal rhinitis or hay fever and is caused by indoor and outdoor allergens with similar symptoms to the common cold. The key difference between allergic rhinitis and the common cold is the length of the symptoms, with rhinitis being more persistent and long term. Non-allergic rhinitis possesses similar symptoms to allergic rhinitis, but is caused by changes in weather, hormonal changes, infections, stress, smoke and dust, and specific foods.
Is Rhinitis a Presumptive Condition?
Yes. Rhinitis is considered a presumptive condition for select veterans. For veterans who served in Southwest Asia from 1990-present or in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Syria, or Djibouti from 2001-present, and developed chronic rhinitis within 10 years of military service, rhinitis is defined as a presumptive condition.
What Are the Secondary Conditions to Rhinitis?
There are secondary conditions that can be tied to rhinitis, including respiratory illnesses, non-respiratory illnesses, and select mood disorders. When veterans are diagnosed with service-connected rhinitis and have any secondary conditions, the veteran may be eligible for an increased disability rating.
Here is a better look at secondary medical conditions that may be tied to rhinitis:
- Sinusitis: Rhinitis can cause the inflammation of sinus tissue tied to sinusitis.
- Asthma: Allergic rhinitis can cause respiratory reactions that lead to allergic asthma.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Altered breathing patterns due to allergic rhinitis can lead to obstructive sleep apnea.
- Migraines: Allergic reactions and allergic rhinitis can lead to severe migraines.
- Mood Disorders: The symptoms tied to allergic rhinitis can lead to higher rates of depression.
READ MORE: Will VA Disability Benefits Change in 2026?
Do you struggle with everyday congestion, fatigue, or headaches? Have you been diagnosed with rhinitis? You may be asking — can veterans receive VA disability for rhinitis? The answer is yes — and this overview created by VA Benefits Attorneys will help answer your questions.
