Tongue, loss of whole or part (DC 7202)

Body system: Digestive SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.114

This rating covers veterans who have lost all or part of their tongue due to injury, disease, or surgery. The VA rates this condition based on how it affects your ability to eat and swallow normally. A 100% rating means you can't take nutrition by mouth at all, 60% means you can eat but have serious swallowing problems requiring a special diet, and 30% means you have swallowing difficulties but don't need dietary changes.

Rating levels

  • 100% — You cannot eat or drink anything by mouth at all. Your tongue loss is so severe that you must receive all nutrition through a feeding tube, IV, or other medical method because oral feeding is completely impossible.
  • 60% — You can still eat food by mouth and get proper nutrition, but you have permanent problems swallowing that don't go away. Your doctor has prescribed a special diet (like softer foods, thickened liquids, or avoiding certain textures) that you must follow to eat safely without choking or having food go down the wrong way.
  • 30% — You can still eat and drink normally by mouth, but you have permanent difficulty swallowing that doesn't require your doctor to put you on a special diet. Your swallowing problems are ongoing and won't get better, but they're not severe enough that you need to avoid certain foods or change what you eat.

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.