Diagnostic Code 6511 · 38 CFR §4.97
Chronic ethmoid sinusitis is ongoing inflammation and infection of the ethmoid sinuses, which are small air cells located between the eyes and behind the bridge of the nose. When these sinuses become chronically inflamed, they cause facial pressure between and behind the eyes, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, reduced sense of smell, and headaches. Veterans may develop chronic sinusitis from repeated upper respiratory infections during service, environmental exposures, blast injuries, or chemical irritant exposure.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% | |
| 0% |
CT scan of the sinuses showing chronic ethmoid sinusitis, Treatment records showing antibiotic prescriptions with dates and duration, ENT evaluation documenting the frequency and severity of episodes, A log of sinus infection episodes with symptoms and treatment, Service medical records showing onset of sinus problems during service, Records of any sinus surgery