Cancer affecting the bone or soft tissue of the jaw or mouth.
While cancer is active or being treated, the key evidence is records confirming the malignant diagnosis and documentation of ongoing or recently completed treatment — surgical reports, radiation therapy records, and chemotherapy or other antineoplastic treatment logs.
For the mandatory VA examination six months after treatment ends, the records that matter most are imaging studies — such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, PET scans, radionuclide bone scans, or ultrasound — showing whether there has been local recurrence or metastasis. Pathology reports and follow-up oncology notes also speak directly to that question.
If no recurrence or spread is found, evidence shifts to the residuals. Dental and oral surgery records can document loss of supporting bone or teeth. Examination findings and surgical or procedural notes can show the extent of scarring and any resulting functional impairment. Statements from you describing how difficulty chewing, speaking, or other mouth or jaw limitations affect your work and daily life help show the functional impact of those residuals.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
