---
title: "DC 6504 - Nose, loss of part of, or scars:"
diagnostic_code: "6504"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6504-nose-loss-of-part-of-or-scars"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:56.870148Z"
---

# DC 6504 - Nose, loss of part of, or scars:

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Exposing both nasal passages |
| 10% | Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement |

## Notes

- Note: Or evaluate as DC 7800, scars, disfiguring, head, face, or neck.

# Nose, Loss of Part of, or Scars — VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 6504)

**Body System:** Respiratory System
**Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6504

---

## Understanding This Condition

This VA diagnostic code covers the **loss of part of the nose** or **scars affecting the nose**. It falls under the VA's rating rules for the respiratory system.

Because injuries and conditions affecting the nose can also involve visible disfigurement, the VA allows this condition to alternatively be evaluated under **Diagnostic Code 7800 (scars — disfiguring, of the head, face, or neck)** where appropriate.

---

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the extent of loss or disfigurement to the nose:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **30%** | Exposing both nasal passages |
| **10%** | Loss of part of one ala, or other obvious disfigurement |

---

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating this condition, the VA considers:

- **The extent of tissue loss** — specifically whether the loss exposes both nasal passages (higher rating) or involves the loss of part of one ala or other obvious disfigurement (lower rating).
- **Obvious disfigurement** of the nose as a factor at the 10% level.
- **Whether the condition is better evaluated as a disfiguring scar** under Diagnostic Code 7800 (scars, disfiguring, head, face, or neck), which may apply as an alternative rating approach.

---

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6504. Individual ratings depend on the specific findings in each case.*

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