---
title: "DC 6521 - Pharynx, injuries to:"
diagnostic_code: "6521"
body_system: "Respiratory System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.97"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/respiratory/6521-pharynx-injuries-to"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.97"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:58.036236Z"
---

# DC 6521 - Pharynx, injuries to:

Rated under § 4.97. Body system: Respiratory System.

## Rating criteria

| 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 |

# Injuries to the Pharynx (VA Diagnostic Code 6521)

## Understanding This Respiratory System Rating

The pharynx is part of your throat, connecting the back of your nose and mouth to your esophagus and airway. It plays a key role in swallowing, breathing, and speech. Injuries to this area can affect these everyday functions.

Under **§ 4.97**, the VA evaluates injuries to the pharynx under **Diagnostic Code 6521**, within the **Respiratory System**.

---

## Available Rating Level

This condition has a single rating level under the VA's schedule:

### 50%

A **50%** rating applies when there is:

- **Stricture or obstruction** of the pharynx or nasopharynx, **or**
- **Absence of the soft palate** secondary to trauma, chemical burn, or granulomatous disease, **or**
- **Paralysis of the soft palate** with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) **and** speech impairment

---

## What the VA Looks For

When rating an injury to the pharynx, the VA reviews whether your condition matches the specific criteria outlined above. This includes evidence of:

- A narrowing (stricture) or blockage (obstruction) of the pharynx or nasopharynx
- Loss of the soft palate resulting from trauma, chemical burn, or granulomatous disease
- Paralysis of the soft palate that causes both swallowing difficulty—such as nasal regurgitation—and impaired speech

The VA assesses these findings against the criteria in **§ 4.97** to determine whether the 50% rating applies.

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