There is no VA rating for nasal polyps, but veterans who develop them may still be eligible for compensation. A nasal polyps VA disability rating is instead determined based on the service-connected condition that caused them, such as rhinitis, sinusitis, or asthma.
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Key Takeaways
- Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form inside the nose or sinus cavities.
- There isn’t a nasal polyps VA rating in the Schedule of Ratings. Instead, the VA considers nasal polyps a symptom of the condition causing them.
- Nasal polyps are often caused by conditions like asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, and vitamin D deficiency.
In this article about the nasal polyps VA rating:
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form inside the nose or sinus cavities. Because they are usually painless, many people have them for a long time before realizing what is causing their symptoms.
When nasal polyps grow, they can block airflow and prevent the sinuses from draining properly. This can lead to congestion, sinus infections, and trouble breathing through the nose. In severe cases, nasal polyps can affect sleep, leading to snoring or even sleep apnea.
As many as 4% of adults in the U.S. have nasal polyps, with growths often appearing after age 20 and becoming more common with age. Most of the time, nasal polyps are tied to ongoing sinus or airway inflammation, but military exposures or service-related respiratory conditions can make them even more likely.
Can you get a nasal polyps VA rating?
There isn’t a nasal polyps VA rating in the Schedule of Ratings. Instead, the VA considers nasal polyps a symptom of the condition causing them.
For example, allergic rhinitis is rated under diagnostic code 6522, which allows a maximum 30% rating when nasal polyps are present. Without the presence of polyps, however, allergic rhinitis is rated at 10%.
This means having nasal polyps can result in a higher VA rating for the condition causing them. So, even if you don’t think your nasal polyps are causing any additional symptoms, it’s important to report the symptom to your doctor.
Service connecting nasal polyps
Nasal polyps usually develop because of prolonged irritation or inflammation of the nose and sinuses. Below are some of the most common conditions that may cause nasal polyps.
Asthma
In veterans with asthma, the immune system can stay inflamed for long periods of time, affecting the lungs and upper airways, which includes the nose and sinuses. Over time, that inflammation can cause the tissue lining the sinuses to swell and form nasal polyps.
Military service can increase asthma risk through exposure to burn pits, dust storms, sand, chemical fumes, and smoke during training or deployment. Research shows veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are 24% – 30% more likely to develop adult-onset asthma than those who did not deploy to those areas.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis causes inflammation of the nasal lining, which can cause polyps to form. Military service often involves exposure to allergens, mold, and poor air quality, all of which can trigger rhinitis.
Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common causes of nasal polyps. Repeated sinus infections can lead to tissue changes and polyp growth. Veterans may develop chronic sinusitis due to facial injuries or long-term exposure to dust, smoke, and burn pit exposure during military service.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D helps regulate immune and inflammatory responses, and low levels have been linked to chronic sinus disease with nasal polyps. Veterans may develop vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure during service, chronic illness, or other service-related health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
There isn’t a nasal polyps VA rating. Instead, the VA considers nasal polyps a symptom of the condition causing them, like rhinitis, sinusitis, or asthma.
Yes. Vitamin D plays a role in immune and inflammatory responses. Low levels have been linked to chronic sinus disease with nasal polyps.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
