DC 9911Dental & Oral Conditions38 CFR § 4.150Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Hard palate, loss of

Hard palate, loss of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.150, Diagnostic Code 9911, from 0% to 30% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 30% rating requires: Loss of half or more, not replaceable by prosthesis. Most claims establish the 0% or 10% rating before reaching the top tier.

Rating schedule — DC 9911 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
30%

TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%

Rating tiers
4

0%, 10%, 20%, 30%

CFR section
38 CFR § 4.150

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Dental & Oral Conditions
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Hard palate, loss of?

0%Disability Rating

Loss of less than half, replaceable by prosthesis

10%Disability Rating

Loss of half or more, replaceable by prosthesis

20%Disability Rating

Loss of less than half, not replaceable by prosthesis

30%Disability Rating

Loss of half or more, not replaceable by prosthesis

Loss of less than half, not replaceable by prosthesis

Common Questions About Hard palate, loss of VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Hard palate, loss of?

The VA rates Hard palate, loss of under Diagnostic Code 9911 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Loss of less than half, replaceable by prosthesis. The maximum 30% rating requires: Loss of half or more, not replaceable by prosthesis.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Hard palate, loss of?

The VA rates Hard palate, loss of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 9911, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.150. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 0% and a 30% rating for Hard palate, loss of?

A 0% rating requires: Loss of less than half, replaceable by prosthesis. A 30% rating requires: Loss of half or more, not replaceable by prosthesis. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Hard palate, loss of qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?

Veterans rated for Hard palate, loss of may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.

What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Hard palate, loss of?

Service connection for Hard palate, loss of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.

What is the C&P exam like for Hard palate, loss of?

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Hard palate, loss of uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.

Get a Personalized Rating Analysis

VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.

Discover Your Benefits