Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)
The VA rates Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) under Diagnostic Code 6520 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6520 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction |
| 30% | FEV-1 of 56- to 70-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction |
| 60% | FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction |
| 100% | Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1) less than 40 percent of predicted value, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction, or; permanent tracheostomy |
“FEV-1 of 40- to 55-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction”
Common Questions About Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)?
The VA rates Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) under Diagnostic Code 6520 at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction. The maximum 100% rating requires: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1) less than 40 percent of predicted value, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction, or; permanent tracheostomy.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)?
The VA rates Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6520, 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 100% rating for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)?
A 10% rating requires: FEV-1 of 71- to 80-percent predicted, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction. A 100% rating requires: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1) less than 40 percent of predicted value, with Flow-Volume Loop compatible with upper airway obstruction, or; permanent tracheostomy. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) 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 Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)?
The key evidence for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) 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 Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral)?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6520 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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