Injury, Pharynx

Injury, Pharynx is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 6521 in the Respiratory System category. Maximum rating: 50%.

Rating Criteria

Rating Criteria
50% Stricture or obstruction of pharynx or nasopharynx, **OR**; loss of the soft palate due to trauma, chemical burn, or granulomatous disease, **OR**; paralysis of soft palate with swallowing difficulty (nasal regurgitation) and speech impairment.

Filing Tips

Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.

Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.

Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.

Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.

Review the rating criteria for DC 6521 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.