Tongue, loss of whole or part
The VA rates Tongue, loss of whole or part under Diagnostic Code 7202 across 3 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7202 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.114
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Tongue, loss of whole or part?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Intact oral nutritional intake with permanently impaired swallowing function without prescribed dietary modification |
| 60% | Intact oral nutritional intake with permanently impaired swallowing function that requires prescribed dietary modification |
| 100% | Absent oral nutritional intake |
“Intact oral nutritional intake with permanently impaired swallowing function that requires prescribed dietary modification”
Common Questions About Tongue, loss of whole or part VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Tongue, loss of whole or part?
The VA rates Tongue, loss of whole or part under Diagnostic Code 7202 at 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Intact oral nutritional intake with permanently impaired swallowing function without prescribed dietary modification. The maximum 100% rating requires: Absent oral nutritional intake.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Tongue, loss of whole or part?
The VA rates Tongue, loss of whole or part under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7202, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 30% and a 100% rating for Tongue, loss of whole or part?
A 30% rating requires: Intact oral nutritional intake with permanently impaired swallowing function without prescribed dietary modification. A 100% rating requires: Absent oral nutritional intake. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Tongue, loss of whole or part qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Tongue, loss of whole or part alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Tongue, loss of whole or part?
The key evidence for Tongue, loss of whole or part is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Tongue, loss of whole or part?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7202 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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