Deviated Septum

DEVIATED SEPTUM

(DC 6502):

PERCENTAGE                                  DESCRIPTION

Deviated septum is a disorder that dislocates your nasal septum. Your nasal septum is the thin lining between your left and right nostril. When your septum shifts, it moves toward your left or right nasal cavity and reduces air passage through this nostril, leading to difficulty breathing and many other issues.

Nasal Injury: You can develop this condition if you suffer a blow to your face that dislocates your nasal septum. Many veterans develop a deviated septum after suffering a traumatic hit to their face during military service.

If you have a deviated septum, you may have no symptoms whatsoever. However, you can only receive a disability rating if you experience symptoms of this condition. Below are some signs to look out for to assess whether you have this condition.

• Blocked Nasal Cavity: a deviated septum can block the airways of your nasal cavity. If you experience difficulty breathing, especially when you’re experiencing allergies or a cold, you may have a blocked nasal cavity caused by a deviated septum.

• Pressure and Congestion: If you experience facial pressure or nasal congestion even without a cold or sinus issues, this discomfort may be caused by a deviated septum.

• Snoring: If you experience snoring or loud breathing when you sleep, you might have an obstructed nasal cavity, and this may also be a sign of a deviated septum.

• Recurring Nosebleeds: Obstructed breathing can cause you to apply more effort in drawing deeper breaths to normalize your breathing. As a result, the skin around your nostrils may dry and crack, leading to recurring nosebleeds. If you suffer frequent nosebleeds, this may be a symptom of a deviated septum.

10%                                         • At least 50% of their nasal cavity blocked on both sides -OR-

• 100% of their nasal cavity obstructed on one side.

Common secondary conditions may include:

Other respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, sleep apnea, insomnia.

NOTE: The claim should also include personal, spouse, family and co-worker statements on how the condition affects the Veteran’s daily activities and quality of life. Dates and times of symptoms are important as valid lay evidence.