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VA Rating Assistant

DC 9911 · 38 CFR 4.150

Hard Palate, Loss of Half or More C&P Exam Prep

To document the extent of hard palate loss, determine whether the defect is replaceable by prosthesis, and assign a rating under DC 9911 (38 CFR 4.150). The examiner will assess how much of the hard palate is absent, whether a prosthesis adequately replaces the lost structure, and the functional consequences of the defect including effects on speech, swallowing, nasal regurgitation, and oral hygiene.

Format:
Interview + Physical
Typical duration:
20-30 minutes
DBQ form:
oral-and-dental (oral-and-dental)
Examiner:
Dentist or Oral Surgeon

What the examiner evaluates

  • Extent of hard palate tissue loss (less than half vs. half or more)
  • Whether the defect is replaceable by a suitable prosthesis
  • Current prosthetic status - whether veteran has a prosthesis, how well it functions, and tolerability
  • Nasal regurgitation of liquids and solids
  • Speech intelligibility and articulation difficulties
  • Swallowing difficulty or dysphagia related to palate defect
  • Oral-nasal communication (oronasal fistula size and location)
  • Chronic nasal or sinus drainage, infection, or crusting attributable to the defect
  • History of trauma, surgery, radiation, or tumor resection causing the loss
  • Date of diagnosis and onset of palate loss
  • Treatment history including prior surgeries, prosthetic obturators, and ongoing care
  • Any associated conditions such as loss of teeth, loss of portions of the maxilla, osteomyelitis, or oral neoplasm
  • Functional impact on daily activities including eating, speaking, and social functioning

The exam will include a direct oral examination in a dental or medical exam room. The examiner will visually inspect the palate defect, assess its dimensions relative to the total palate surface, and evaluate any prosthetic device you use. Bring your prosthesis (obturator) to the exam if you have one. The examiner will likely also review your service treatment records and post-service treatment records. You may be asked to speak, swallow, and demonstrate how your prosthesis fits or fails to fit.

Measurements and tests

Palate Defect Extent Assessment

What it measures: The proportion of the hard palate that has been lost - less than half versus half or more - which is the primary determinant of the rating level under DC 9911.

What to expect: The examiner will visually inspect and potentially measure the dimensions of the palatal defect in comparison to the total hard palate surface area. They may use a probe, mirror, or imaging records to document the extent of loss. They will note whether the defect crosses midline or involves the entire anterior or posterior hard palate.

Critical thresholds

  • Half or more of hard palate lost, NOT replaceable by prosthesis 30% - highest rating under DC 9911
  • Less than half of hard palate lost, NOT replaceable by prosthesis 20%
  • Half or more of hard palate lost, IS replaceable by prosthesis 10%
  • Less than half of hard palate lost, IS replaceable by prosthesis 0% (noncompensable)

Tips

  • The 'replaceable by prosthesis' determination is critical - ensure the examiner understands how well (or poorly) your obturator actually functions.
  • If your prosthesis fails to adequately seal the defect, causes pain, frequently dislodges, or cannot be tolerated due to residual tissue changes, communicate this clearly.
  • Bring any prior imaging (CT scans, panoramic X-rays) that document the extent of your palate loss.
  • If you have surgical records or pathology reports documenting the original resection, bring copies.

Pain considerations: Describe any pain or discomfort caused by wearing the prosthesis, including pressure sores, mucosal irritation, and jaw fatigue. Also describe pain at rest or with eating when not wearing the device.

Prosthesis Functionality Evaluation

What it measures: Whether the existing or potential prosthesis (obturator) adequately replaces the function of the lost hard palate tissue for purposes of speech, swallowing, and prevention of nasal regurgitation.

What to expect: The examiner will assess whether a prosthesis exists, how well it fits, whether it restores velopharyngeal closure, and whether it is clinically feasible given the anatomy of the remaining tissue. You may be asked to speak and swallow with and without your prosthesis.

Critical thresholds

  • Prosthesis does not adequately restore function or cannot be fabricated due to tissue deficiency Triggers 'not replaceable by prosthesis' criteria - elevates rating to 20% or 30%
  • Prosthesis adequately restores function and can be tolerated Triggers 'replaceable by prosthesis' criteria - results in 10% or 0% rating

Tips

  • If your prosthesis does not seal the defect completely, document specific failures: food entering the nasal cavity, liquid coming through the nose, inability to create suction, difficulty with denture adhesion.
  • Note how many hours per day you can tolerate wearing the prosthesis, and why you cannot wear it longer.
  • Document prior failed prosthetic attempts - prior obturators that were fabricated but could not be successfully used.
  • If you have been told by a prosthodontist or oral surgeon that a prosthesis is not feasible, bring that documentation.

Pain considerations: Describe pain, mucosal ulceration, or tissue breakdown caused by wearing the obturator. This directly affects whether the prosthesis is truly 'replaceable' in a functional sense.

Speech Intelligibility Assessment

What it measures: The degree to which loss of the hard palate or palatal defect impairs speech, specifically hypernasality, nasal emission, and articulation errors.

What to expect: The examiner may ask you to read aloud or speak conversationally to assess speech intelligibility. They will note presence of hypernasal resonance, audible nasal air escape, and compensatory articulation errors.

Critical thresholds

  • Severely impaired speech intelligibility interfering with communication Supports 'not replaceable by prosthesis' finding and higher rating under DC 9911; may support separate rating under DC 9304 (aphonia)
  • Mild to moderate hypernasality not resolved by prosthesis Supports 'not adequately replaceable' finding

Tips

  • Describe specific speech difficulties: inability to produce pressure consonants (p, b, t, d, k, g, s, z), hypernasality that makes you difficult to understand on the phone or in noisy environments.
  • Note whether your speech has changed since the palate loss and how others respond to it.
  • If you have had speech therapy, bring documentation of outcomes.

Pain considerations: Note any fatigue or discomfort in the oral and facial muscles from compensating for the palatal defect during prolonged speaking.

Rating criteria by percentage

30%

Loss of half or more of the hard palate that is NOT replaceable by a suitable prosthesis. This is the highest rating under DC 9911 and applies when the defect is extensive and no prosthetic device can adequately restore the function of the lost tissue.

Key symptoms

  • Loss of half or more of the bony and mucosal hard palate
  • Prosthesis cannot be fabricated or fails to adequately function due to tissue anatomy
  • Significant nasal regurgitation of food and liquids
  • Severely compromised speech intelligibility (hypernasality, nasal emission)
  • Chronic oronasal communication causing persistent nasal crusting, drainage, or sinusitis
  • Inability to maintain adequate oral seal for swallowing
  • Social isolation or dietary restriction due to palatal defect
  • History of failed prosthetic attempts documented by treating providers

From 38 CFR: 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9911: 'Loss of half or more, not replaceable by prosthesis - 30'

20%

Loss of less than half of the hard palate that is NOT replaceable by a suitable prosthesis. Applies when the defect is smaller but still cannot be adequately addressed by prosthetic intervention.

Key symptoms

  • Loss of less than half of the hard palate surface
  • Prosthesis cannot be fitted or maintained due to inadequate tissue support
  • Persistent nasal regurgitation despite prosthetic attempts
  • Noticeable hypernasality and speech difficulties
  • Recurring nasal infections or drainage attributable to oronasal communication
  • Difficulty with diet requiring avoidance of certain food textures or consistencies

From 38 CFR: 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9911: 'Loss of less than half, not replaceable by prosthesis - 20'

10%

Loss of half or more of the hard palate that IS replaceable by a suitable prosthesis. Applies when the defect is large but a functional prosthetic obturator has been successfully fabricated and used.

Key symptoms

  • Loss of half or more of the hard palate
  • Functioning prosthetic obturator in place
  • Prosthesis restores reasonable velopharyngeal closure
  • Residual limitations in speech, diet, or comfort despite prosthesis
  • Ongoing need for prosthetic maintenance and replacement
  • Some residual nasal regurgitation or hypernasality even with prosthesis worn

From 38 CFR: 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9911: 'Loss of half or more, replaceable by prosthesis - 10'

0%

Loss of less than half of the hard palate that IS replaceable by a suitable prosthesis. Noncompensable but may still be service-connected for treatment purposes.

Key symptoms

  • Minor palate defect, less than half of total surface
  • Prosthesis adequately restores function
  • Minimal to no functional impairment with prosthesis
  • Condition may still qualify for VA dental treatment benefits

From 38 CFR: 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9911: 'Loss of less than half, replaceable by prosthesis - 0'

Describing your symptoms accurately

Nasal Regurgitation

How to describe it: Describe specific instances of food or liquid passing into your nasal cavity through the palatal defect. Include the frequency (every meal, multiple times daily), types of food or liquid most likely to cause it, and the physical sensation. Describe what happens - do liquids come out of your nose, do you have to stop eating and clear your nasal passages, do you choke or gag?

Example: On my worst days, I cannot eat soup or drink any thin liquid without it immediately coming through my nose. I have to eat thickened foods only and still experience regurgitation multiple times per meal. This takes so long that I often skip meals or rely on nutritional supplements because eating is too physically exhausting and socially embarrassing.

Examiner listens for: Specific foods or liquids that cause regurgitation, frequency per meal, compensatory strategies the veteran uses (thickened liquids, head positioning, dietary restrictions), and whether current prosthesis - if any - prevents or reduces regurgitation.

Avoid: Do not say 'it's not that bad' or minimize regurgitation because you have adapted your diet. Your dietary adaptations ARE the functional limitation. Describe what you cannot eat, not just what you can.

Speech Impairment

How to describe it: Describe the specific nature of your speech difficulty. Use concrete examples: 'People frequently ask me to repeat myself,' 'I cannot be understood on the telephone,' 'I avoid speaking in groups because people cannot understand me,' 'I have a significant nasal quality to my voice that others notice immediately.' Identify specific sounds you cannot produce clearly (p, b, t, d, s, z, k, g).

Example: On my worst days, my speech is so hypernasal that coworkers and family members cannot understand me without seeing my face. I have stopped making phone calls because the person on the other end cannot understand me at all. I avoid speaking in meetings or public settings because of the embarrassment and the energy it takes to try to compensate.

Examiner listens for: Presence of audible hypernasality, nasal emission during pressure consonants, compensatory articulation patterns (backing, glottal stops), overall speech intelligibility, and whether the veteran's prosthesis improves or normalizes speech.

Avoid: Do not say 'my speech is okay' if you have adapted how you speak or avoid certain situations. If you use written communication or avoid phone calls due to speech, that is a significant functional impairment.

Prosthesis Tolerance and Failure

How to describe it: If you have a prosthetic obturator, describe exactly how well it works. How many hours per day can you wear it? Does it stay in place? Does it cause sores or pain? Does it completely seal the defect? Does food or liquid still pass through even when it is in? Have you had to stop wearing it due to complications? If you do not have a prosthesis, explain why - was it tried and failed, or was it determined to be not feasible?

Example: I can only wear my obturator for about 3 to 4 hours before the pressure causes open sores on the remaining palatal tissue. After that I must remove it and the nasal regurgitation and speech problems return immediately. I have been to three different prosthodontists who have attempted to make a functional obturator; none have adequately sealed the defect because there is not enough tissue remaining to support it.

Examiner listens for: Whether a prosthesis has been attempted, the history of prosthetic success or failure, current hours of daily use, complications such as pain or tissue breakdown, and whether the veteran's anatomy supports successful prosthetic obturation.

Avoid: Do not say your prosthesis 'works fine' if you rarely wear it, if it causes pain, if it dislodges frequently, or if you still experience regurgitation or speech difficulties while wearing it. All of these are indicators that the prosthesis does not truly 'replace' the palate function.

Nasal and Sinus Complications

How to describe it: Describe any chronic nasal symptoms related to the oronasal communication: persistent nasal crusting, chronic sinusitis, recurrent sinus infections, nasal odor, difficulty breathing through the nose, and any nasal drainage that empties into the oral cavity. Include how frequently you experience these symptoms and any treatments you use.

Example: I have constant nasal crusting because air passes directly from my mouth into my nasal cavity through the defect. I get sinusitis infections at least four to five times per year that require antibiotics. The nasal drainage is ongoing and I must carry tissue everywhere I go. On bad days the crusting is so severe it partially blocks my nasal airway.

Examiner listens for: Objective evidence of chronic nasal/sinus disease attributable to the palatal defect, frequency of sinusitis episodes, current medications for nasal management, and the relationship of nasal symptoms to the palate loss.

Avoid: Do not omit nasal and sinus complications from your account. Veterans often focus only on eating and speaking, but the nasal sequelae of a palatal defect are significant and support the 'not replaceable by prosthesis' finding.

Dietary Restriction and Nutritional Impact

How to describe it: Be specific about what you cannot eat or drink because of your palatal defect. Identify foods or beverages you have eliminated entirely, how your diet has changed since the palate loss, whether you have experienced unintentional weight loss, and whether you rely on nutritional supplements or alternative feeding methods.

Example: I can no longer eat most soups, any thin liquids, rice, or anything with small pieces that could enter my nasal cavity. I have lost over 20 pounds since the palate loss because eating is so difficult and unpleasant. I use nutritional supplement drinks for at least one meal per day because solid food preparation and eating takes so much effort.

Examiner listens for: Concrete dietary restrictions, caloric intake changes, weight changes, nutritional deficiencies, use of adaptive devices or supplements, and the overall impact of palate loss on nutritional status.

Avoid: Do not minimize dietary changes by saying 'I just avoid certain foods.' The list of foods you avoid and the impact on your nutrition are central to proving functional impairment.

Psychosocial and Quality of Life Impact

How to describe it: Describe how the palatal defect affects your social life, employment, and emotional well-being. Include avoidance of eating in public, reluctance to speak in professional settings, social withdrawal, embarrassment related to speech or eating difficulties, and any mental health treatment related to the condition.

Example: I no longer attend social dinners or work lunches because eating in public is too embarrassing. I have turned down speaking roles at work and avoided phone interactions because of how my voice sounds. I have been treated for depression that my mental health provider directly attributes to the loss of normal oral function and self-image.

Examiner listens for: Social and occupational limitations directly related to the palatal defect, evidence of secondary mental health conditions, and the overall life impact beyond the physical defect.

Avoid: Do not assume the examiner is only interested in physical measurements. Functional and psychosocial impact is explicitly required to be documented on the DBQ and directly supports a higher rating.

Common mistakes to avoid

Saying the prosthesis 'works' without describing its limitations

Why: The single most important rating distinction under DC 9911 is whether the defect is 'replaceable by prosthesis.' If you say the prosthesis works fine, the examiner may check 'replaceable,' which immediately cuts the maximum possible rating from 30% to 10% for a large defect.

Do this instead: Describe all limitations of your prosthesis accurately and in detail: hours of daily use, pain, dislodgement, residual nasal regurgitation while wearing it, residual speech impairment, and prior failed prosthetic attempts. If the prosthesis does not fully restore normal function, say so clearly and specifically.

Impact: 30% vs. 10% for large defects; 20% vs. 0% for smaller defects

Failing to bring the prosthesis to the exam

Why: If you do not bring your obturator, the examiner cannot assess its fit, seal, or function. The examiner may make assumptions about prosthetic effectiveness that are not accurate.

Do this instead: Always bring your current prosthesis to the C&P exam. Also bring documentation of prior prosthetic attempts, adjustments, and failures from your treating prosthodontist or oral surgeon.

Impact: All rating levels - critical to the replaceable/not replaceable determination

Describing only current symptoms on a good day

Why: VA rating under M21-1 guidance is based on the full range of your condition, including its worst presentations. Describing only a typical or good day understates the severity of the condition.

Do this instead: Describe your condition on your worst days as the baseline for how the examiner should understand your limitations. Explicitly say 'on my worst days' and provide specific examples of what that looks like.

Impact: 20% and 30% - directly impacts whether 'not replaceable' finding is supported

Not mentioning secondary complications like chronic sinusitis or nutritional deficits

Why: Veterans with palatal defects often develop chronic nasal/sinus disease, nutritional deficits, and mental health conditions that directly flow from the palate loss but are not volunteered during the exam. Examiners cannot document what they are not told.

Do this instead: Before the exam, write a complete list of all secondary conditions caused by or related to the palate loss. Bring treatment records for sinusitis, nutritional counseling, weight loss, or mental health treatment and reference them during the exam.

Impact: Affects overall rating picture and potential separate ratings for related conditions

Not clarifying the extent of the defect relative to the total palate

Why: The rating hinge between 10%/20% and 30%/20% is whether the loss is 'half or more' versus 'less than half.' If this is not clearly established by the examiner, you may be rated at the lower tier.

Do this instead: Bring prior surgical or pathology records, imaging, or prosthodontic records that document the size and extent of the palatal defect. Ask the examiner to document specifically whether the defect involves half or more of the hard palate.

Impact: 10% vs. 30% (with prosthesis) or 20% vs. 30% (without prosthesis)

Not disclosing that you rarely or never wear the prosthesis due to pain or failure

Why: If you have a prosthesis but cannot wear it due to complications, and you do not disclose that, the examiner may record it as 'replaceable by prosthesis' simply because one exists.

Do this instead: Clearly state how often you actually wear the prosthesis, why you do not wear it more, and what happens when you do. A prosthesis you cannot functionally use is the same as having no prosthesis for rating purposes.

Impact: 30% vs. 10% (large defect) and 20% vs. 0% (small defect)

Prep checklist

  • critical

    Gather all treatment records related to the palatal defect

    Collect surgical operative reports, pathology reports from any tumor or trauma that caused the palate loss, prosthodontic records documenting obturator fabrication attempts and outcomes, and any imaging (CT, panoramic X-ray, MRI) showing the extent of the palate loss. These documents help the examiner accurately characterize the defect.

    before exam

  • critical

    Write a detailed symptom statement covering all functional limitations

    Create a written account of: (1) nasal regurgitation frequency and severity, (2) speech difficulties and how they affect communication, (3) dietary restrictions and any weight loss, (4) prosthesis use and its limitations or failures, (5) nasal/sinus complications, and (6) psychosocial impact. Bring this to the exam and offer it to the examiner. Review it the night before so you can speak to it confidently.

    before exam

  • critical

    Bring your prosthetic obturator to the exam

    If you have a prosthetic obturator (palatal prosthesis), bring it with you. The examiner needs to physically assess its fit, seal, and functional adequacy. Also bring documentation from your prosthodontist describing the prosthesis specifications and any noted limitations.

    before exam

  • critical

    Document failed prosthetic attempts with provider records

    If prior prostheses were attempted but failed, obtain records from the treating prosthodontist or oral surgeon documenting the attempts, the reasons for failure, and any professional opinion that the defect is not amenable to successful prosthetic obturation. This is the foundation of a 'not replaceable by prosthesis' finding.

    before exam

  • critical

    Review the exact rating criteria under DC 9911

    Understand the four rating levels: 30% (half or more, not replaceable), 20% (less than half, not replaceable), 10% (half or more, replaceable), and 0% (less than half, replaceable). Know which category accurately applies to your situation so you can ensure the examiner has the information needed to reach an accurate determination.

    before exam

  • recommended

    Check whether your state allows exam recording

    Many states permit veterans to record their C&P examination. Check your state's recording consent laws. If recording is permitted, bring a recording device (smartphone works) and notify the examiner at the start of the exam. A recording protects against inaccurate documentation of what was said during the exam.

    before exam

  • recommended

    Identify and document any related secondary conditions

    Identify all conditions that are secondary to or caused by the palatal defect: chronic sinusitis, recurrent sinus infections, nutritional deficits, speech disorder, or mental health conditions. Bring treatment records for each. These may support separate service-connected ratings in addition to DC 9911.

    before exam

  • recommended

    Prepare a timeline of the palate loss history

    Create a clear chronological narrative: when and how the palate loss occurred (combat injury, service-connected tumor, accident), initial treatment, subsequent surgeries or procedures, prosthetic history, and current status. This helps the examiner populate the history section of the DBQ accurately.

    before exam

  • critical

    Do not wear or adjust your prosthesis to appear more functional than it is

    Wear your prosthesis as you normally would on a typical day. If you rarely wear it because it is uncomfortable or non-functional, arrive without it and explain why. The exam should reflect your actual daily functional reality, not a best-case demonstration.

    day of

  • critical

    Arrive early and bring all documentation

    Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your prosthesis, all medical records, your written symptom statement, and any letters from treating providers. Organize documents so you can quickly reference specific items during the exam.

    day of

  • recommended

    Do not eat immediately before the exam if eating triggers significant symptoms

    If your palatal defect causes significant nasal regurgitation or discomfort with eating, you may wish to avoid eating immediately before the exam to avoid being in acute distress during the examination. Alternatively, if your symptoms are best demonstrated during or after eating, bring a small amount of food or liquid you can consume during the exam to demonstrate the regurgitation issue.

    day of

  • critical

    Describe your condition as it is on your worst days, not your best

    When asked about your symptoms, anchor your description to your worst-day experience. Say explicitly: 'On my worst days, here is what happens.' This is consistent with M21-1 guidance and ensures the examiner captures the full disability picture rather than a best-case snapshot.

    during exam

  • critical

    Clearly state whether your prosthesis truly restores function

    If your prosthesis does not fully restore normal eating, speaking, and prevention of nasal regurgitation, state this explicitly and clearly. Do not allow a prosthesis that you tolerate imperfectly to be characterized as fully 'replacing' the palate function. Describe all residual limitations even when wearing the prosthesis.

    during exam

  • critical

    Ask the examiner to document the specific proportion of palate loss

    Politely ask the examiner to document whether the defect involves half or more versus less than half of the hard palate, and whether it is or is not replaceable by prosthesis. These two binary determinations are the entire basis of the DC 9911 rating. Ensuring they are addressed reduces the risk of an incomplete or incorrect DBQ.

    during exam

  • recommended

    Describe functional impact on work and daily life

    Tell the examiner specifically how the palate defect affects your work, social functioning, and daily activities. Include: inability to speak clearly in work settings, avoidance of social eating, dietary restrictions, time spent on oral care or prosthesis management, and any work restrictions or accommodations.

    during exam

  • recommended

    Mention all secondary conditions caused by the palate loss

    Bring up chronic sinusitis, recurrent infections, nasal crusting, speech therapy needs, nutritional deficits, and any mental health impact. Ask the examiner to document these as residuals or complications of the palatal defect.

    during exam

  • critical

    Request a copy of the completed DBQ

    You have the right to request a copy of the completed DBQ or the examination report. Submit a written request to the VA Regional Office or through your VSO. Reviewing the DBQ allows you to identify any inaccuracies before a rating decision is issued.

    after exam

  • critical

    Document what was discussed at the exam while memory is fresh

    Immediately after the exam, write down what questions the examiner asked, what you said, what the examiner observed, and anything that may have been mischaracterized or omitted. This record is valuable if you need to submit a buddy statement, supplemental claim, or appeal.

    after exam

  • recommended

    Consider a nexus letter from your treating oral surgeon or prosthodontist

    If your treating provider has opinions about the extent of your palate loss, the non-replaceability of the defect by prosthesis, or the functional severity of your condition, request a formal nexus or medical opinion letter. This can be submitted to the VA as supporting evidence and may overcome an inadequate C&P exam.

    after exam

  • recommended

    Follow up with your VSO if the DBQ appears incomplete or inaccurate

    If after reviewing the DBQ you identify inaccuracies (e.g., the examiner checked 'replaceable by prosthesis' when it is not, or understated the extent of loss), work with your VSO or VA-accredited attorney to submit a written statement of the case, request a new examination, or file a supplemental claim with additional evidence.

    after exam

Your rights during a C&P exam

  • You have the right to request a copy of the completed DBQ and C&P examination report under the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. - 552a) and FOIA.
  • You have the right to record your C&P examination in many states - check your state's one-party or two-party consent laws and notify the examiner if you choose to record.
  • You have the right to submit additional evidence after the C&P exam, including private medical opinions, treating provider letters, and buddy statements, as part of a supplemental claim under AMA procedures (38 CFR 19.5).
  • You have the right to request an additional examination or a new C&P exam if you believe the original was inadequate, incomplete, or based on an inaccurate review of the evidence.
  • You have the right to have a VSO, VA-accredited claims agent, or VA-accredited attorney represent you at no cost through the claims and appeals process.
  • You have the right to appeal an unfavorable rating decision to the Board of Veterans' Appeals or the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, including challenging the adequacy of a C&P examination.
  • You have the right to request an in-person examination rather than a records-only review if the nature of your condition requires physical assessment - a palatal defect examination should include direct oral inspection.
  • Under the benefit-of-the-doubt standard (38 U.S.C. - 5107(b)), when there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence, the VA must resolve the matter in your favor.
  • You have the right to submit a statement in support of your claim (VA Form 21-4138 or equivalent) describing your symptoms and functional limitations in your own words, which must be considered by the rating activity.
  • A 0% (noncompensable) service-connected rating for hard palate loss still establishes service connection and may qualify you for VA dental treatment benefits under 38 CFR 17.161 and the applicable dental treatment classification (Class II or compensable classes).

Related conditions

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This C&P exam preparation guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or claims advice. Always consult with a qualified Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative or VA-accredited attorney for guidance specific to your claim. Never exaggerate, minimize, or fabricate symptoms during a C&P examination.