VA Disability Rating for Soft tissue injury of the mouth, other than tongue or lips (DC 7200)

Body system: Digestive SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.114

Soft tissue injuries of the mouth (DC 7200) cover damage to the gums, hard or soft palate, cheeks (buccal mucosa), and floor of the mouth, OTHER than the tongue (DC 7202) or lips (DC 7201). DC 7200 itself has no rating percentage. The VA rates these injuries entirely under the SCAR codes: DC 7800 (head/face/neck disfiguring scars) for the disfigurement aspect, plus DC 7804 (unstable or painful scars) when applicable. The two codes can be applied together when both bases apply, and combine under 38 CFR § 4.25.

Rating levels

  • Note — DC 7200 has no rating ladder of its own. A soft tissue injury of the mouth (other than the tongue or lips, which have their own codes) is rated two ways together: as disfigurement of the head, face or neck under DC 7800 and as an unstable or painful scar under DC 7804, and also for any impairment of chewing (mastication) it causes, such as limited jaw motion or loss of teeth, under the dental and oral codes.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.

Lips, injuries of (DC 7201)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 7201.
Tongue, loss of whole or part (DC 7202)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 7202.
Esophagus, stricture of (DC 7203)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 7203.
Esophageal motility disorder (DC 7204)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 7204.
Esophagus, diverticulum of, acquired (DC 7205)
The plain-English rating criteria and Board decision data for DC 7205.