A Detailed Discussion on Deviated Septum VA Rating

 This widespread condition causes deviated nasal septum and occurs in approximately 80% of the US population. This disability is also observed in veterans who suffered facial trauma during military service. However, it is challenging to obtain VA benefits for this disorder.

The VA rating disability program provides deviated septum VA rating, but the rating is meager and limits compensation for this disability. Proving your entitlement to these benefits is also a challenge, as you must prove that the illness began while you were on duty and that you were not born with the illness.

To receive adequate compensation for this disability, you must combine it with another disability and show that both disabilities are service-related. If you are successful, you may receive combined benefits for both conditions.

How exactly is this done?

Below we’ll have a deviated septum VA rating discussion. If you want to enhance your opportunities of receiving VA disability compensation for your deviated septum, we recommend you seek help from a VA disability attorney.

What Is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum is a condition that displaces your nasal septum. The nasal septum is the thin lining between your left and right nostrils. When your septum becomes dislocated, it moves into your left or right nasal cavity, reducing the passage of air through your nostril, causing difficulty breathing and many other problems.

What Causes a Septum Deviation?

A deviated septum can be caused by:

  • Prenatal development: During pregnancy, a baby may sustain nasal trauma due to "compression and rotation" forces in the womb. They can also experience trauma to their nose during childbirth. Finally, the conclusion is many babies are born with a deviated septum. Mostly 20% of newborns face this condition.
  • Nasal injury: You can also face this condition if you receive a blow to your face that dislocates your nasal septum. Many veterans develop a septal deviation during military service after a traumatic blow to the face.

What Are the Worst Symptoms?

If you face a deviated septum, you may not have any symptoms. However, you can only get a degree of disability if you have signs of this condition. Below are some signs to determine if you are facing this disease.

  • Blocked nasal cavity: Because of a deviated septum can block the airways of your nasal cavity. If you have trouble breathing, especially with allergies or a cold, you may have a blocked nasal cavity caused by the curvature of the nasal septum.
  • Pressure and congestion: If you experience facial or nasal congestion, these conditions can be caused by a deviated septum, even if you don't have a cold or sinus problems.
  • Snoring: If you snore while you sleep, you may have a blocked nasal cavity, which could signify a deviated septum.
  • Recurring nosebleeds: Congestive breathing can make you try harder to breathe deeper to settle your breathing. And the conclusion is that the skin around your nostrils can dry out and crack, leading to recurrent nosebleeds. If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, this could signify a septal deviation.

You may be eligible for deviated septum VA rating and benefits if you have any of these symptoms. However, you first need to prove that you have a VA disability.

What Is the VA Disability Rating for A Deviated Septum?

A VA disability rating is a number that the VA assigns to a disabled veteran based on the severity of their condition. The VA outlines its various ratings on its disability charts, and veterans must demonstrate that they qualify for an eligible rating before receiving the VA assistance authorization.

The VA assesses a deviated septum as part of the respiratory system assessment program. According to this program, a deviated septum is evaluated under diagnostic code 6502.

Unfortunately, only one rating is available for one deviating septum. A disabled veteran can score 10% if their septal deviation is traumatic, meaning:

  • At least 50% of the nasal cavity is closed on both sides; or
  • 100% of the nasal cavities are blocked on one side.

If the VA approves you for a 10% disability rating, you'll receive a monthly tax-free payment to compensate for your inconvenience. However, a 10% rating severely limits your compensation amount. So if you want more compensation for your septal deviation, you'll need to show that it caused a secondary service-related disability and that you're entitled to combined assistance for both disabilities.

How To Get Increased Compensation for A Deviated Septum?

A veteran may seek further compensation for their deviated septum if they can demonstrate:

  • Their status depends on the service.
  • Her condition prompted a secondary service-related injury.
  • You qualify for a combined disability assessment.

A service connection is a direct or secondary connection between a veteran's disability and military service. Direct service reference means that the disability is directly caused or aggravated by military service. A secondary service reference means a situation directly related to the service that caused the disability.

How Do You Prove a Direct Service Connection?

You can demonstrate that your deviated septum is directly related to the service by providing the following evidence to the VA.

  • Claim file (c file): A c file is a record that the VA maintains in a database and uses to track your claims. This database contains all your medical records from military service. So if you sustained an injury that caused a deviated septum, it should be documented in these records. Before filing a disability claim, ask the VA for your c-file, and be sure to include documentation of this status with your claim.
  • Doctor reports: You may receive a report from your doctor that you have a deviated septum due to a blow to your face during your military service.
  • Buddy statements: Buddy statement is a reference from a service member who served with you in the military. If that service member witnessed or became aware of the breach during the service, they may issue a statement confirming it occurred. The veterans even proved their case when the friend had an old photograph that revealed the complainant's condition.

Note that you cannot receive a disability benefit for a septal deviation if born with the condition. Therefore, you must prove that this violation was directly related to your service. Providing strong evidence is essential in gaining approval for a deviated septum VA rating and benefits.

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