VA Diagnostic Code 6516Laryngitis, chronic:
Rated from 10% to 30% under § 4.97. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.
- 30%
Hoarseness, with thickening or nodules of cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy
- 10%
Hoarseness, with inflammation of cords or mucous membrane
Chronic Laryngitis (VA Diagnostic Code 6516)
Understanding Your VA Rating for Chronic Laryngitis
Chronic laryngitis is a long-term condition affecting the larynx (voice box), part of the Respiratory System. It is rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 6516, found in § 4.97 of the VA rating schedule.
A common sign of chronic laryngitis is hoarseness, but the VA looks at what is happening in the vocal cords and surrounding tissue to determine the severity of the condition.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns one of two rating levels for chronic laryngitis, based on the specific findings documented in your medical records.
30% Rating
Assigned for hoarseness, accompanied by thickening or nodules of the cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes on biopsy.
10% Rating
Assigned for hoarseness, accompanied by inflammation of the cords or mucous membrane.
What the VA Looks For
When rating chronic laryngitis, the VA reviews evidence of hoarseness together with the physical condition of the vocal cords and surrounding tissues. Specifically, the VA distinguishes between:
- Inflammation of the cords or mucous membrane (corresponding to the 10% level), and
- More significant findings such as thickening or nodules of the cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes shown on biopsy (corresponding to the 30% level).
Documentation of these findings — often through medical examination and, where relevant, biopsy results — helps establish which rating level applies to your condition.
This information is based on the VA rating schedule under § 4.97, Diagnostic Code 6516. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.97, diagnostic code 6516. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
View official sourceHow to claim this
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