Claiming Hard Palate Loss?
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VA Rating Tiers
50%
complete loss
30%
partial loss
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›50%: Loss of more than half of the hard palate — significant functional impairment of speech and swallowing. DC 9911.
- ›30%: Loss of half or less of the hard palate — moderate functional impairment. DC 9911.
- ›0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 9911: Hard palate loss.
- ›50%: Complete loss of hard palate.
- ›30%: Partial loss of hard palate.
- ›Rating applies whether or not a prosthetic obturator is used — the underlying anatomical loss drives the rating.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 9911 — hard palate loss; rated at 30% (partial) or 50% (complete).
- •The hard palate is the bony portion of the roof of the mouth.
- •Loss creates an opening (oronasal communication) between the mouth and nasal cavity.
- •Service connection may be direct (trauma) or secondary to a service-connected malignancy or radiation treatment.
- •Veterans typically use a prosthetic obturator to close the opening.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •records of facial trauma or blast injury during service
- •radiation or cancer treatment records linked to service
Medical Evidence
- •oral surgery or ENT operative reports documenting palate loss
- •imaging (CT scan) confirming palatal defect
- •prosthetic obturator fitting records
- •speech therapy records
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing in-service injury or treatment
- •statement from family noting speech and eating difficulty since service
Diagnostic Tests
- •CT scan of palate / facial bones
- •clinical oral examination
- •operative report documenting extent of palate removed
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Oral Medicine / ENT — Hard Palate Loss
Be ready to describe
- •what caused the palate loss and when it occurred
- •whether loss is partial or complete
- •speech and eating difficulties
- •obturator use and fit quality
Prep notes
- •Bring operative reports and imaging documenting the palate loss.
- •Bring records of any prosthetic obturator fitting or adjustment.
- •Describe your worst-day symptoms — especially eating and speech difficulties.
- •If you use an obturator, bring it to the exam.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 9911
- Category
- Dental / Oral
- Subcategory
- Oral / Palate
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 50%
Also Known As
hard palate losspalate losspartial palate losscomplete palate lossroof of mouth losspalatal defectpalate removed
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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