Pharynx, injuries to
The VA rates Pharynx, injuries to under Diagnostic Code 6521 at a single 50% level. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6521 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 50%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 1
- CFR section
- § 4.97
- Body system
- Respiratory System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
50%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Pharynx, injuries to?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Stricture or obstruction of pharynx or nasopharynx, or; absence of soft palate secondary to trauma, chemical burn, or granulomatous disease, or; paralysis of soft palate with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) and speech impairment |
“Stricture or obstruction of pharynx or nasopharynx, or; absence of soft palate secondary to trauma, chemical burn, or granulomatous disease, or; paralysis of soft palate with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) and speech impairment”
What other respiratory conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Pharynx, injuries to 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.
- 6515Laryngitis, tuberculous, active or inactiveRated up to 50%
- 6516Laryngitis, chronicRated up to 30%
- 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%
- 6522Allergic or vasomotor rhinitisRated up to 30%
- 6523Bacterial rhinitisRated up to 50%
- 6524Granulomatous rhinitisRated up to 100%
- 6600Bronchitis, chronicRated up to 100%
- 6601BronchiectasisRated up to 100%
Common Questions About Pharynx, injuries to VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Pharynx, injuries to?
The VA rates Pharynx, injuries to under Diagnostic Code 6521 at 50%. The minimum 50% rating requires: Stricture or obstruction of pharynx or nasopharynx, or; absence of soft palate secondary to trauma, chemical burn, or granulomatous disease, or; paralysis of soft palate with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) and speech impairment. The maximum 50% rating requires: Stricture or obstruction of pharynx or nasopharynx, or; absence of soft palate secondary to trauma, chemical burn, or granulomatous disease, or; paralysis of soft palate with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) and speech impairment.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Pharynx, injuries to?
The VA rates Pharynx, injuries to under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6521, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Pharynx, injuries to qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Pharynx, injuries to maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Pharynx, injuries to?
The key evidence for Pharynx, injuries to 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 Pharynx, injuries to?
The C&P examiner uses a Respiratory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6521 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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