Body system: Respiratory SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.97DBQ: DBQ ENT Sinusitis, Rhinitis and Other Conditions of the Nose, Throat, Larynx and Pharynx
This condition covers narrowing of the larynx (voice box) that makes it harder to breathe, whether from injury, surgery, or other causes. The VA rates this based on breathing tests that measure how much air you can force out in one second compared to what's normal for someone your age and size. Ratings range from 10% for mild breathing difficulty to 100% if you need a permanent breathing tube in your throat or have severe airway blockage.
Rating levels
- 100% — You qualify for this rating if a breathing test shows you can force out less than 40% of the predicted amount of air in one second (FEV-1) and the flow-volume loop, a graph from the same test, shows a pattern that fits a blockage of the upper airway, or if you have a permanent tracheostomy (a surgically made breathing opening in the neck). At this level the narrowing of the larynx severely limits airflow.
- 60% — Your breathing capacity must be significantly reduced, with your lungs only able to push out 40-55% of the air volume that would be expected for someone your age and size in one second (this is measured by a test called FEV-1). Additionally, a specialized breathing test called a Flow-Volume Loop must show clear evidence that your upper airway is blocked or narrowed, which happens when scar tissue or damage to your voice box restricts airflow through your throat.
- 30% — Your breathing test shows that your lungs can only push out 56-70% of the air volume they should be able to in one second (called FEV-1), compared to what's normal for someone your age and size. The test also shows a specific pattern on the flow-volume measurement (a graph that shows how air moves in and out of your lungs) that confirms your upper airway is partially blocked due to your larynx condition.
- 10% — You qualify if a breathing test shows your lungs can only push out 71-80% of the air volume expected for someone your age and size in the first second of forced breathing (called FEV-1), and a special flow test confirms that your upper airway is partially blocked. The narrowing or scarring in your voice box restricts airflow enough to measurably reduce your breathing capacity, but not severely.