Loss of function in the glossopharyngeal nerve, which may affect swallowing and sensation in the throat.
Because this condition is rated on loss of ordinary sensation in specific throat tissues, medical records that document sensory testing of the pharynx, fauces, and tonsils are central. A VA or private examiner's findings describing how much sensation is reduced or absent in those areas — and whether the loss is complete or partial — directly correspond to the rating levels.
Records showing the cause of the nerve injury, such as surgical reports, imaging, or treatment notes, help establish the nature and extent of involvement. If sensation has partially returned over time, notes documenting the degree of recovery are also relevant. Statements from you describing how reduced throat sensation affects swallowing, eating, or daily activities can help show the functional impact, which supports characterizing severity as moderate or severe under incomplete paralysis. If both sides of the throat are affected, records confirming bilateral involvement are important, since that changes how the ratings are combined.
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.
