Chronic Sinusitis
DC 6510 §4.97 Respiratory ICD-10: J32.9 DirectPresumptive PACT Act (post-9/11, Gulf War)
Sinus inflammation 3+ months. PACT Act presumptive for qualifying Gulf War / post-9/11 veterans.
Common symptoms
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Purulent discharge
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Following radical surgery with chronic osteomyelitis; or near constant sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain and tenderness of affected sinus, and purulent discharge or crusting after repeated surgeries |
| 30% | Three or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged (4-6 weeks) antibiotic treatment; or more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge/crusting |
| 10% | One or two incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment; or 3-6 non-incapacitating episodes per year |
| 0% | Detected by X-ray only |
Common secondaries from this condition
If Chronic Sinusitis is service-connected, these are conditions worth investigating as secondaries (caused or aggravated by it).
Filing this claim
If you have qualifying service for the PACT Act (post-9/11, Gulf War) presumption, you don't need a nexus letter — file as a primary claim with proof of qualifying service and your current diagnosis. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Gather proof of qualifying service (DD-214, deployment records, etc.) — no nexus letter needed.
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.97. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.