Laryngitis, chronic
The VA rates Laryngitis, chronic under Diagnostic Code 6516 across 2 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. The 30% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 6516
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%
Part 4 rating schedule
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”
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, governed by 38 CFR 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.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits