Diagnostic Code 9917 · 38 CFR §4.150
DC 9917 covers benign (non-cancerous) tumors of the hard and soft tissue of the mouth and jaw. These include ameloblastomas, odontomas, giant cell tumors, fibromas, and other benign growths that can develop in the jawbone, gums, palate, or other oral tissues. While not cancerous, these tumors can cause significant damage by destroying bone, loosening teeth, and requiring surgical removal that leaves defects in the jaw or mouth. For veterans, these tumors may develop from dental trauma during service, radiation exposure, or may simply arise during the service period. The VA does not assign a specific percentage for DC 9917 itself — instead, it rates the condition based on the residual damage: loss of bone (under the appropriate jaw loss code), loss of teeth (under DC 9913), functional impairment, and scarring.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | DC 9917 does not have fixed rating percentages. Instead, the VA evaluates the residual effects of the benign tumor and its treatment. The condition is rated based on loss of supporting structures (bone or teeth) and/or functional impairment due to scarring, using the appropriate diagnostic codes for each type of residual. For example, if tumor removal caused loss of mandibular bone, that bone loss is rated under DC 9902; if teeth were lost, that is rated under DC 9913; if scarring impairs function, that is rated under the scar codes. |
Pathology reports confirming the benign diagnosis are needed. Surgical records documenting the tumor removal and any bone or tissue lost during the procedure are critical. Pre- and post-surgical imaging (CT scans, X-rays) showing the extent of structural damage are important. Service records establishing when the tumor was discovered or when the causative event occurred help with service connection. Post-surgical evaluations documenting residual deficits — bone loss, tooth loss, scarring, functional impairment — are necessary since the rating is based entirely on these residuals.
Yes. Even though the tumor is not cancerous, the damage it causes — bone destruction, tooth loss, surgical defects, scarring — can all be rated for VA disability compensation. The rating is based on the residual impairments, not on the tumor diagnosis itself.
DC 9918 (malignant/cancerous tumors) provides a mandatory 100% rating during active treatment, followed by re-evaluation. DC 9917 (benign tumors) does not provide an automatic 100% rating. Instead, it is rated entirely based on the residual damage from the tumor and its treatment.