Chronic Pharyngitis

DC 6516Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6516

Persistent inflammation of the pharynx (throat) causing chronic sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and irritation. Common in veterans exposed to smoke, chemicals, or environmental irritants during service. The VA rates chronic pharyngitis based on the severity of symptoms.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6516

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.97, DC 6516. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have severe chronic pharyngitis with marked difficulty swallowing, chronic pain, or thickened pharyngeal mucosa requiring frequent medical treatment. This is the maximum rating for chronic pharyngitis.

What the VA looks for

Thickened pharyngeal mucosa documented on endoscopy
Marked swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
Chronic pain requiring frequent medical treatment
Biopsy showing chronic inflammatory changes
Weight loss due to eating difficulty

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a throat endoscopy — a visual examination alone may not reveal the full extent of chronic inflammation. An ENT specialist with endoscopic evaluation provides the strongest evidence.
⚠Not connecting pharyngitis to in-service exposures — document exposure to burn pits, chemical fumes, prolonged shouting/vocal strain, or intubation events during service.
⚠Failing to document the chronic nature of the condition — a single episode of sore throat will not support a chronic pharyngitis claim. You need medical records showing persistent or recurring symptoms over time.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Sinusitis, Rhinitis, and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx, and Pharynx

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Chronic Pharyngitis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6516

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Thickened pharyngeal mucosa documented on endoscopy
Marked swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
Chronic pain requiring frequent medical treatment
Biopsy showing chronic inflammatory changes
Weight loss due to eating difficulty

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a throat endoscopy — a visual examination alone may not reveal the full extent of chronic inflammation. An ENT specialist with endoscopic evaluation provides the strongest evidence.

⚠Not connecting pharyngitis to in-service exposures — document exposure to burn pits, chemical fumes, prolonged shouting/vocal strain, or intubation events during service.

⚠Failing to document the chronic nature of the condition — a single episode of sore throat will not support a chronic pharyngitis claim. You need medical records showing persistent or recurring symptoms over time.