---
title: "DC 6516 - Laryngitis, chronic:"
diagnostic_code: "6516"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6516-laryngitis-chronic"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:57.602055Z"
---

# DC 6516 - Laryngitis, chronic:

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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.

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## 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.

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*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.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97