Vocal Cord Dysfunction

DC 6516Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6516

A condition where your vocal cords close when they should open, making it hard to breathe and speak. It can mimic asthma and is often linked to irritant exposure during service. The VA rates it based on how much it affects your voice and breathing.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 6516

Rating range

0% – 60%

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 constant inability to speak above a whisper or complete voice loss. You may need surgical intervention for airway management.

What the VA looks for

Complete or near-complete voice loss (aphonia)
Constant inability to speak above a whisper
Surgical interventions for airway management
Total occupational impairment from voice and breathing loss
Specialist documentation of severe vocal cord dysfunction

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a laryngoscopy during an active episode — the VA needs objective evidence of the vocal cords closing abnormally, not just a report of symptoms.
⚠Confusing vocal cord dysfunction with asthma — if you have been treated for asthma that does not respond to inhalers, ask your doctor about vocal cord dysfunction testing.
⚠Not documenting how voice loss affects your job — if you need to speak at work (phone calls, meetings, teaching), describe exactly how the condition limits you.
⚠Not connecting the condition to in-service irritant exposure such as burn pits, chemical fumes, or diesel exhaust.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

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% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have constant inability to speak above a whisper or complete voice loss. You may need surgical intervention for airway management.

What the VA looks for

Complete or near-complete voice loss (aphonia)
Constant inability to speak above a whisper
Surgical interventions for airway management
Total occupational impairment from voice and breathing loss
Specialist documentation of severe vocal cord dysfunction

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a laryngoscopy during an active episode — the VA needs objective evidence of the vocal cords closing abnormally, not just a report of symptoms.

⚠Confusing vocal cord dysfunction with asthma — if you have been treated for asthma that does not respond to inhalers, ask your doctor about vocal cord dysfunction testing.

⚠Not documenting how voice loss affects your job — if you need to speak at work (phone calls, meetings, teaching), describe exactly how the condition limits you.

⚠Not connecting the condition to in-service irritant exposure such as burn pits, chemical fumes, or diesel exhaust.