Diagnostic Code 6521 · 38 CFR §4.97
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 |
|---|---|
| 50% | |
| 30% | |
| 20% | |
| 10% | |
| 0% |
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