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Evidence checklist

Loss of Hard Palate

DC 991138 CFR § 4.150Dental/Oral

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Oral surgery or head/neck surgery evaluation documenting palate lossCritical

Records documenting extent of hard palate loss, surgical resection details, and functional impact on speech and swallowing.

Private provider · independent opinion
Speech-language pathology evaluation

Records documenting impact on speech intelligibility and swallowing function.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking hard palate loss to service (trauma, cancer surgery)Critical

Medical opinion connecting palate loss to in-service trauma, or resection for a service-connected oral cancer.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Prosthesis (obturator) records

Documentation of palatal obturator use and its adequacy for function.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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