VA evaluates this diagnosis under the General Rating Formula for Sinusitis, using surgery history and annual incapacitating or non-incapacitating episode counts.
Plain-language summaries explain the text; they do not decide whether any level applies.
50%
Official criteria
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
Plain-language summary
The highest level addresses specified post-surgical disease or near-constant qualifying symptoms after repeated surgeries.
30%
Official criteria
Three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting
Plain-language summary
This level uses either the annual prolonged-antibiotic episode count or the qualifying non-incapacitating episode count.
10%
Official criteria
One or two incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or; three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting
Plain-language summary
This level uses either the lower prolonged-antibiotic episode count or three to six qualifying non-incapacitating episodes.
0%
Official criteria
Detected by X-ray only
Plain-language summary
The schedule lists a noncompensable level when sinusitis is detected by X-ray only.
Source record
38 CFR § 4.97—Schedule of ratings, respiratory system
38 CFR § 4.97, DC 6510 · Effective Oct 7, 1996 · Reviewed Jul 24, 2026