Tongue, loss of whole or part
Tongue, loss of whole or part is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7202, from 30% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires: Absent oral nutritional intake. Most claims establish the 30% or 60% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 7202 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 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?
Intact oral nutritional intake with permanently impaired swallowing function without prescribed dietary modification
Intact oral nutritional intake with permanently impaired swallowing function that requires prescribed dietary modification
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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Tongue, loss of whole or part 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 Tongue, loss of whole or part?
Service connection for Tongue, loss of whole or part 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 Tongue, loss of whole or part?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Tongue, loss of whole or part 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