Malignant neoplasm of lip, oral cavity, and pharynx (unspecified)
VA doesn't add ratings together. It combines them using the table in 38 CFR § 4.25, so two ratings usually total less than their sum.
While the cancer is active or being treated, records confirming the diagnosis and showing ongoing or recently completed treatment are the core evidence. This includes pathology reports, oncology notes, surgical records, radiation treatment summaries, and chemotherapy records. These establish that the 100 percent rating applies and that it should continue through the post-treatment period.
At the mandatory six-month examination, the evidence shifts to what symptoms and impairments remain. Dental and oral surgery records showing bone or tooth loss document loss of supporting structures. Photographs, imaging studies — such as X-ray, CT, or MRI — and exam findings can show the extent of scarring and any resulting functional impairment. For separately rated conditions such as loss of taste, loss of smell, or neurological changes, records from relevant specialists and your own statements describing how those impairments affect eating, speaking, and daily activities help show severity at each level.
VA exam form (DBQ) for this condition:
If your service meets the rules below, VA presumes this condition is connected to it.
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.
