Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6520)

The VA rates Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) under Diagnostic Code 6520 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 6520 is the VA rating identifier for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) under DC 6520 is 100%. This tier 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. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6520. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Larynx, stenosis of, including residuals of laryngeal trauma (unilateral or bilateral) requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.