---
title: "DC 6502 - Septum, nasal, deviation of:"
diagnostic_code: "6502"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6502-septum-nasal-deviation-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:56.762026Z"
---

# DC 6502 - Septum, nasal, deviation of:

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97