DC 6519Respiratory System38 CFR § 4.97

Aphonia, complete organic

The VA rates Aphonia, complete organic under Diagnostic Code 6519 at a single 60% level. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 6519 at a glance

Minimum rating
60%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
60%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
1

60%

CFR section
§ 4.97

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Respiratory System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Aphonia, complete organic?

RatingCriteria
60%

Constant inability to speak above a whisper

Constant inability to speak above a whisper

Common Questions About Aphonia, complete organic VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Aphonia, complete organic?

The VA rates Aphonia, complete organic under Diagnostic Code 6519 at 60%. The minimum 60% rating requires: Constant inability to speak above a whisper. The maximum 60% rating requires: Constant inability to speak above a whisper.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Aphonia, complete organic?

The VA rates Aphonia, complete organic under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6519, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

Can Aphonia, complete organic qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 60% rating for Aphonia, complete organic alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Aphonia, complete organic?

The key evidence for Aphonia, complete organic is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Aphonia, complete organic?

The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6519 rating criteria. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) drive the rating. The examiner measures FEV-1, FVC, and DLCO. Test during symptomatic periods when possible — stable periods produce higher numbers that may underrate your condition.

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