VA Disability Rating for Pharynx Injuries (DC 6521)
Diagnostic Code 6521 · 38 CFR §4.97
What Is It?
Pharynx injuries cover damage to the throat (pharynx) resulting from trauma, surgery, or other service-related causes. The pharynx is the passageway behind the nose and mouth that connects to the esophagus and larynx. Injuries can cause difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, voice changes, and chronic pain. Veterans may sustain pharyngeal injuries from combat wounds, blast injuries, vehicular accidents, surgical complications, or chemical and thermal burns from exposure to hazardous materials.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Stricture or obstruction of the pharynx requiring a feeding tube or tracheostomy. |
| 30% | Severe impairment of swallowing and breathing, requiring dietary modification to soft or liquid foods. |
| 20% | Moderate impairment affecting swallowing with some dietary restrictions. |
| 10% | Mild impairment with some difficulty swallowing or breathing but able to maintain normal diet. |
| 0% | Healed injury with no functional impairment. |
Evidence Needed
- Records of the in-service injury to the pharynx
- Imaging or endoscopy showing structural damage to the pharynx
- Swallowing study (barium swallow or videofluoroscopy) documenting functional impairment
- Dietary records showing any food restrictions
- Speech and swallowing therapy records
- Surgical records if reconstruction was performed
C&P Exam Tips
- Describe exactly what foods you can and cannot eat, and how the injury affects your swallowing
- Bring swallowing study results showing functional limitations
- Report any choking episodes, aspiration events, or weight loss from difficulty eating
- If you require a modified diet, have your doctor document the specific restrictions
- Document the original injury clearly in your service records
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with records of the in-service injury, swallowing study results, and documentation of dietary restrictions.
Common Mistakes
Not getting a swallowing study A barium swallow or videofluoroscopy objectively documents swallowing impairment and is much stronger than self-report alone. Not documenting dietary restrictions If you have to avoid certain foods or eat a modified diet, have your doctor write this in your medical record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of injuries qualify?
Any injury to the pharynx sustained during or related to military service qualifies. This includes combat wounds, blast injuries, surgical complications, chemical burns, and intubation injuries.
Can I be rated for both swallowing and voice problems?
Yes. If the pharyngeal injury also affects your voice, the voice disorder can potentially be rated separately under the laryngeal codes.