Laryngitis, chronic
The VA rates Laryngitis, chronic under Diagnostic Code 6516 across 2 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 6516 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 2
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 30%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Laryngitis, chronic?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Hoarseness, with inflammation of cords or mucous membrane |
| 30% | Hoarseness, with thickening or nodules of cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy |
“Hoarseness, with thickening or nodules of cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy”
What other respiratory conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Laryngitis, chronic in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 6502Septum, nasal, deviation ofRated up to 10%
- 6504Nose, loss of part of, or scarsRated up to 30%
- 6510Chronic Sinusitis (Pansinusitis)Rated up to 50%
- 6514Sinusitis, sphenoid, chronic.Rated up to 50%
- 6515Laryngitis, tuberculous, active or inactiveRated up to 50%
- 6518Laryngectomy, totalRated up to 50%
- 6519Aphonia, complete organicRated up to 60%
- 6520Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)Rated up to 100%
- 6521Pharynx, injuries toRated up to 50%
- 6522Allergic or vasomotor rhinitisRated up to 30%
What to do with a Laryngitis, chronic rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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Read next
- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Laryngitis, chronic VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Laryngitis, chronic?
The VA rates Laryngitis, chronic under Diagnostic Code 6516 at 10%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Hoarseness, with inflammation of cords or mucous membrane. The maximum 30% rating requires: Hoarseness, with thickening or nodules of cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Laryngitis, chronic?
The VA rates Laryngitis, chronic under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6516, published in 38 CFR § 4.97. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 30% rating for Laryngitis, chronic?
A 10% rating requires: Hoarseness, with inflammation of cords or mucous membrane. A 30% rating requires: Hoarseness, with thickening or nodules of cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Laryngitis, chronic qualify for TDIU?
Laryngitis, chronic maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Laryngitis, chronic?
The key evidence for Laryngitis, chronic 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 Laryngitis, chronic?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6516 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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