Chronic laryngitis

To support either rating, medical records documenting hoarseness are essential. For the 10 percent level, records from a treating physician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist that describe inflammation of the vocal cords or mucous membrane — found through laryngoscopy or a similar examination — directly address the rating criteria.

For the 30 percent level, examination findings that identify thickening, nodules, or polyps on the cords, submucous infiltration, or biopsy results showing pre-malignant changes are the kinds of evidence that correspond to the criteria. A pathology report is the only way to document pre-malignant changes, so biopsy records carry particular weight at that level.

Statements from you or people who know you describing how chronic hoarseness affects your ability to speak, communicate at work, or carry out daily activities can help show the ongoing nature and functional impact of the condition alongside the clinical findings.