VA Diagnostic Code 6502Septum, nasal, deviation of:
A single 10% rating under § 4.97. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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- 10%
Traumatic only, With 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side
Deviated Nasal Septum (VA Diagnostic Code 6502)
Respiratory System — 38 CFR § 4.97
Understanding This Condition
A deviated nasal septum occurs when the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the two sides of your nose is shifted out of place. This can affect how easily air moves through your nasal passages.
Under the VA rating schedule, a deviation of the nasal septum is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 6502, which is part of the Respiratory System group of conditions.
Available Rating Level
Diagnostic Code 6502 provides for a single rating level:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 10% | A traumatic deviation of the nasal septum with 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side. |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a deviated nasal septum under this code, the VA considers:
- Cause: The rating applies to deviations that are traumatic only in origin.
- Degree of obstruction: The VA looks at how much the nasal passages are blocked — specifically whether there is 50-percent obstruction on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 6502. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.97, diagnostic code 6502. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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