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Oral / Oropharyngeal Cancer
DC 9918 | 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9918 (Neoplasm, hard and soft tissue, malignant) and/or § 4.97 DC 6819 (Neoplasms, malignant, respiratory) for oropharyngeal cases |
Oral / Oropharyngeal Cancer is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 9918 of 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9918 (Neoplasm, hard and soft tissue, malignant) and/or § 4.97 DC 6819 (Neoplasms, malignant, respiratory) for oropharyngeal cases across 5 severity tiers (100% / 60% / 30% / 20% / 10%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity including lips, tongue, floor of mouth, palate, and oropharynx. Associated with tobacco use, alcohol, and HPV. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy causing significant functional impairment.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
100%
100% (active malignancy / active treatment): Per DC 9918 verbatim "Neoplasm, hard and soft tissue, malignant" rates at 100%. Per § 4.97 DC 6819 footnote: "A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, X-ray, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination." Active diagnosis + any active treatment modality = 100%.
60%
Post-treatment residuals (combined per § 4.25 from separately rated components): For most aggressive oral / oropharyngeal cancers post-treatment, combined residuals typically yield 60% from surgical resection (loss of tongue substance under DC 7202, loss of maxilla / mandible substance under DC 9914/9915/9901-9902), radiation-induced xerostomia + dysphagia + scarring (DC 7800-7805 scars), and speech impairment (DC 6519 complete organic aphonia or DC 6516 incomplete aphonia / chronic laryngitis).
30%
Post-treatment residuals (smaller resection / less aggressive treatment): Combined residuals from limited surgical excision, post-radiation moderate xerostomia, mild scarring, and partial speech impairment. Each residual rated under its own DC and combined per § 4.25.
20%
Post-treatment residuals (well-healed minor surgical excision): Mild residual scarring + mild functional impairment. Each component rated separately under § 4.118 (scars) / § 4.114 (digestive) / § 4.150 (dental).
10%
Post-treatment residuals (minimal): Documented history of treated oral cancer with no recurrence + minimal residual functional impairment.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026