---
title: "DC 6519 - Aphonia, complete organic:"
diagnostic_code: "6519"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6519-aphonia-complete-organic"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:33:52.336872Z"
---

# DC 6519 - Aphonia, complete organic:

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Constant inability to communicate by speech |
| 60% | Constant inability to speak above a whisper |

## Notes

- Note: Evaluate incomplete aphonia as laryngitis, chronic (DC 6516).

# Complete Organic Aphonia (VA Diagnostic Code 6519)

*Respiratory System — 38 CFR § 4.97*

## What This Condition Is

Complete organic aphonia refers to the loss of the ability to produce voice due to a physical (organic) cause. In practical terms, it affects a person's capacity to speak. The VA rates this condition under Diagnostic Code 6519 as part of the respiratory system.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA uses the following rating levels for complete organic aphonia:

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| **100%** | Constant inability to communicate by speech |
| **60%** | Constant inability to speak above a whisper |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating complete organic aphonia, the VA focuses on the extent and consistency of the impairment to speech:

- **For a 100% rating:** Evidence of a *constant* inability to communicate by speech.
- **For a 60% rating:** Evidence of a *constant* inability to speak above a whisper.

## Important Note

- **Incomplete aphonia** is not rated under this code. Instead, the VA evaluates incomplete aphonia as **chronic laryngitis (Diagnostic Code 6516)**.

---

*This overview is based on the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.97 for informational purposes only. It describes the rating criteria as written and does not predict any individual outcome or provide legal advice.*

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