VA Diagnostic Code 6511Sinusitis, ethmoid, chronic.
Rated from 0% to 50% under § 4.97. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 50%
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
- 30%
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
- 10%
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
- 0%
Detected by X-ray only
General rating formula
General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (DC's 6510 through 6514)
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: An incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician.
Chronic Ethmoid Sinusitis (VA Diagnostic Code 6511)
Respiratory System · 38 CFR § 4.97
Understanding Chronic Ethmoid Sinusitis
Chronic ethmoid sinusitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses—the air-filled spaces located between your eyes and the bridge of your nose. When this condition becomes chronic, it can bring on recurring symptoms such as headaches, facial pain and tenderness over the affected sinus, and purulent (pus-like) discharge or crusting.
The VA rates chronic ethmoid sinusitis under the General Rating Formula for Sinusitis (Diagnostic Codes 6510 through 6514). Ratings are based on how often symptoms occur, how severe they are, and whether surgery or extended treatment has been required.
Important definition: According to the VA, an incapacitating episode of sinusitis means one that requires bed rest and treatment by a physician.
Available Rating Levels
Chronic ethmoid sinusitis can be evaluated at the following levels:
50%
Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis, or near-constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of the affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries.
30%
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 characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.
10%
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 characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.
0%
Detected by X-ray only.
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating chronic ethmoid sinusitis, the VA focuses on:
- The number of episodes per year and whether they are incapacitating or non-incapacitating.
- Whether episodes required bed rest and physician treatment, which is how the VA defines an incapacitating episode.
- The use of prolonged antibiotic treatment, specifically treatment lasting four to six weeks.
- The presence of characteristic symptoms, including headaches, facial pain and tenderness over the affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting.
- A history of surgery, including radical surgery, repeated surgeries, and any resulting chronic osteomyelitis.
- X-ray findings, which may support a 0% evaluation when the condition is detected by X-ray only.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 6511 under 38 CFR § 4.97 and is provided for general educational purposes.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.97, diagnostic code 6511. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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