Loss of Hard/Soft Palate

DC 9912Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9912

Loss of part or all of the hard palate (roof of the mouth) or soft palate, typically from combat trauma, surgical resection for tumors, or disease. This causes difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eating due to communication between the mouth and nasal cavity. The VA rates this based on the extent of palate loss and whether a prosthesis (obturator) can restore function.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 9912

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9912. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have lost all or nearly all of the hard palate, soft palate, or both, resulting in complete communication between the oral and nasal cavities. Prosthesis cannot restore adequate function.

What the VA looks for

Total or near-total palatal loss on examination
Complete oro-nasal communication
Prosthesis unable to restore function
Severe speech impairment documented by speech pathologist
Liquid diet or feeding tube required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a speech pathology evaluation — a formal assessment of how palate loss affects your speech provides objective evidence and supports higher ratings. The VA weighs specialist evaluations heavily.
⚠Not documenting the impact on eating and swallowing — nasal regurgitation, choking episodes, and dietary restrictions should all be documented. A swallow study can provide objective evidence of dysphagia.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — palate loss can cause chronic sinusitis from oral-nasal communication, aspiration pneumonia risk, malnutrition, and psychological conditions from disfigurement.
⚠Not addressing prosthesis adequacy — if your obturator does not fully restore function, make sure your prosthodontist documents the specific limitations and why complete restoration is not achievable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Loss of Hard/Soft Palate

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9912

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have lost all or nearly all of the hard palate, soft palate, or both, resulting in complete communication between the oral and nasal cavities. Prosthesis cannot restore adequate function.

What the VA looks for

Total or near-total palatal loss on examination
Complete oro-nasal communication
Prosthesis unable to restore function
Severe speech impairment documented by speech pathologist
Liquid diet or feeding tube required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a speech pathology evaluation — a formal assessment of how palate loss affects your speech provides objective evidence and supports higher ratings. The VA weighs specialist evaluations heavily.

⚠Not documenting the impact on eating and swallowing — nasal regurgitation, choking episodes, and dietary restrictions should all be documented. A swallow study can provide objective evidence of dysphagia.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — palate loss can cause chronic sinusitis from oral-nasal communication, aspiration pneumonia risk, malnutrition, and psychological conditions from disfigurement.

⚠Not addressing prosthesis adequacy — if your obturator does not fully restore function, make sure your prosthodontist documents the specific limitations and why complete restoration is not achievable.