What are the VA rating percentages for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis?

Chronic Frontal Sinusitis (DC 6512) is rated at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512. FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent; or DLCO (SB) 66 to 80 percent predicted.

What rates 10% for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512 (DC 6512), a 10% rating for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis requires: FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent; or DLCO (SB) 66 to 80 percent predicted.

What rates 30% for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512 (DC 6512), a 30% rating for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis requires: FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent; or DLCO (SB) 56 to 65 percent predicted.

What happens during a C&P exam for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Chronic Frontal Sinusitis

Q: What rates 60% for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512 (DC 6512), a 60% rating for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis requires: FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent; or DLCO (SB) 40 to 55 percent predicted; or maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit).

Q: What rates 100% for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512?

Under 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512 (DC 6512), a 100% rating for Chronic Frontal Sinusitis requires: FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value; or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent; or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted; or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption; or cor pulmonale; or right ventricular hypertrophy; or pulmonary hypertension; or requires outpatient oxygen therapy.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Chronic Frontal Sinusitis VA claim?

Key evidence for a Chronic Frontal Sinusitis claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 651238 C.F.R. § 4.97

Diagnostic Code

DC 6512

38 C.F.R. § 4.97

Rating Range

10–100%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Chronic Frontal Sinusitis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6512 of 38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6512 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 30% / 60% / 100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Chronic inflammation of the frontal sinuses above the eyes causing headaches and forehead pain

Rating Criteria

10%

FEV-1 of 71 to 80 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 71 to 80 percent; or DLCO (SB) 66 to 80 percent predicted.

30%

FEV-1 of 56 to 70 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 56 to 70 percent; or DLCO (SB) 56 to 65 percent predicted.

60%

FEV-1 of 40 to 55 percent predicted; or FEV-1/FVC of 40 to 55 percent; or DLCO (SB) 40 to 55 percent predicted; or maximum oxygen consumption of 15 to 20 ml/kg/min (with cardiorespiratory limit).

100%

FEV-1 less than 40 percent of predicted value; or FEV-1/FVC less than 40 percent; or DLCO (SB) less than 40 percent predicted; or maximum exercise capacity less than 15 ml/kg/min oxygen consumption; or cor pulmonale; or right ventricular hypertrophy; or pulmonary hypertension; or requires outpatient oxygen therapy.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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