Tongue, loss of whole or part — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7202)

The VA rates Tongue, loss of whole or part under Diagnostic Code 7202 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 7202 is the VA rating identifier for Tongue, loss of whole or part within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Tongue, loss of whole or part under DC 7202 is 100%. This tier requires: Absent oral nutritional intake. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Tongue, loss of whole or part alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Tongue, loss of whole or part is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7202. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Tongue, loss of whole or part may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

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 that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.