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Evidence checklist

Chronic Laryngitis

DC 651638 CFR § 4.97Respiratory

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Laryngoscopy documenting laryngeal inflammation and vocal cord appearanceCritical

Flexible or rigid laryngoscopy by an otolaryngologist documenting erythema, edema, mucosal changes, contact granulomas, or other laryngeal findings consistent with chronic laryngitis.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking chronic laryngitis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your chronic laryngitis to in-service inhalational exposures (smoke, chemical fumes, burn pits), vocal strain from military occupational duties, or a service-connected GERD.

Private provider · independent opinion
Voice quality assessment (acoustic analysis or speech pathology evaluation)

Formal voice evaluation documenting hoarseness, dysphonia, pitch breaks, or aphonic episodes. Speech pathologist acoustic analysis objectively documents vocal impairment.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
GERD or reflux documentation if laryngopharyngeal reflux is a contributing cause

Records documenting laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or GERD as a contributing or causative factor, supporting a secondary service connection claim if GERD is already service-connected.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records (voice therapy, anti-reflux medications, vocal hygiene)

Records documenting voice therapy, anti-reflux treatment, vocal hygiene counseling, humidification therapy, and any procedural interventions.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Sinusitis/Rhinitis and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx, and PharynxCritical

Standardized form capturing laryngoscopy findings, voice quality, and functional impact of chronic laryngitis.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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