Chronic Laryngitis

DC 6516Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6516

Long-term inflammation of the voice box (larynx) that causes ongoing hoarseness or voice changes. The VA rates chronic laryngitis based on how severe your hoarseness is and whether there are changes to your vocal cords such as thickening, nodules, or polyps.

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 hoarseness along with thickening or nodules on your vocal cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes found on biopsy. This is the maximum rating for chronic laryngitis.

What the VA looks for

Hoarseness with thickening of vocal cords
Vocal cord nodules confirmed by laryngoscopy
Vocal cord polyps documented
Submucous infiltration on examination
Pre-malignant changes found on biopsy

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not seeing an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist — a primary care doctor may note hoarseness, but a laryngoscopy by an ENT is needed to document cord thickening, nodules, or polyps that support the 30% rating.
⚠Not connecting laryngitis to in-service exposures — chemical fumes, burn pits, smoke inhalation, and prolonged voice strain (drill instructors, communications roles) are common causes.
⚠Assuming hoarseness alone is not ratable — even mild hoarseness with cord inflammation qualifies for 10%. Bring your ENT records showing the laryngoscopy findings.
⚠Not requesting a biopsy when pre-malignant changes are suspected — a biopsy confirming pre-malignant changes supports the maximum 30% rating.
⚠Forgetting to file for secondary conditions — chronic laryngitis can be secondary to GERD (stomach acid irritating the voice box) or chronic sinusitis with post-nasal drip.

Related DBQ Forms

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

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Chronic Laryngitis or rated under the same body system.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory

Bronchial Asthma

DC 6602·Respiratory

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

DC 6604·Respiratory

Allergic Rhinitis

DC 6522·Respiratory

Chronic Sinusitis

DC 6510·Respiratory

Pulmonary Embolism (Residuals)

DC 6817·Respiratory

Sarcoidosis

DC 6846·Respiratory

Bronchiectasis

DC 6601·Respiratory

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6516

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have hoarseness along with thickening or nodules on your vocal cords, polyps, submucous infiltration, or pre-malignant changes found on biopsy. This is the maximum rating for chronic laryngitis.

What the VA looks for

Hoarseness with thickening of vocal cords
Vocal cord nodules confirmed by laryngoscopy
Vocal cord polyps documented
Submucous infiltration on examination
Pre-malignant changes found on biopsy

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not seeing an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist — a primary care doctor may note hoarseness, but a laryngoscopy by an ENT is needed to document cord thickening, nodules, or polyps that support the 30% rating.

⚠Not connecting laryngitis to in-service exposures — chemical fumes, burn pits, smoke inhalation, and prolonged voice strain (drill instructors, communications roles) are common causes.

⚠Assuming hoarseness alone is not ratable — even mild hoarseness with cord inflammation qualifies for 10%. Bring your ENT records showing the laryngoscopy findings.

⚠Not requesting a biopsy when pre-malignant changes are suspected — a biopsy confirming pre-malignant changes supports the maximum 30% rating.

⚠Forgetting to file for secondary conditions — chronic laryngitis can be secondary to GERD (stomach acid irritating the voice box) or chronic sinusitis with post-nasal drip.