---
title: "DC 6523 - Bacterial rhinitis:"
diagnostic_code: "6523"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6523-bacterial-rhinitis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:58.252604Z"
---

# DC 6523 - Bacterial rhinitis:

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 50% | Rhinoscleroma |
| 10% | With permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side |

# Bacterial Rhinitis (VA Diagnostic Code 6523)

*Respiratory System · 38 CFR § 4.97*

## Understanding This Condition

Bacterial rhinitis is a condition affecting the nasal passages, rated by the VA under the Respiratory System section of the rating schedule (§ 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6523).

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the specific findings documented in your medical evidence. For bacterial rhinitis, there are two rating levels defined in the schedule.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **50%** | Rhinoscleroma |
| **10%** | With permanent hypertrophy of turbinates and with greater than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, or complete obstruction on one side |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating bacterial rhinitis under Diagnostic Code 6523, the VA considers the following:

- **For a 50% rating:** The presence of **rhinoscleroma**.
- **For a 10% rating:** **Permanent hypertrophy of the turbinates**, along with **greater than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides**, *or* **complete obstruction on one side**.

Your rating is determined by comparing the findings in your medical records to these criteria. Accurate documentation of the extent of nasal passage obstruction and any related findings is central to how this condition is evaluated.

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