Diagnostic Code 9913 · 38 CFR §4.150
DC 9913 covers loss of teeth caused by loss of substance of the body of the maxilla or mandible without loss of continuity — meaning the jawbone itself has been damaged or destroyed by trauma or disease, causing teeth to be lost, but the jaw is still structurally intact (not broken apart). This is not about routine cavities, gum disease, or normal dental extractions. The rating depends on which teeth are missing and whether a prosthesis (dentures, implants, or bridges) can adequately restore your chewing ability. Veterans often confuse dental treatment eligibility with disability compensation — they are entirely separate programs. Compensation under DC 9913 requires bone loss from trauma or disease like osteomyelitis; periodontal (gum) disease bone loss specifically does not qualify.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | All teeth are missing and the lost chewing surfaces cannot be restored by a suitable prosthesis due to the extent of bone damage. |
| 30% | All upper teeth are missing, or all lower teeth are missing, and the lost chewing surfaces cannot be restored by a suitable prosthesis. |
| 20% | All upper and lower posterior (back) teeth are missing, or all upper and lower anterior (front) teeth are missing, and the lost chewing surfaces cannot be restored by a suitable prosthesis. |
| 10% | All upper anterior teeth are missing, all lower anterior teeth are missing, or all upper and lower teeth on one side are missing, and the lost chewing surfaces cannot be restored by a suitable prosthesis. |
| 0% | Teeth were lost due to bone loss from trauma or disease, but the missing chewing surfaces can be restored with a suitable prosthesis. A 0% rating still establishes service connection and provides dental treatment benefits. |
Dental records and X-rays showing the extent of tooth loss and underlying bone loss are essential. Panoramic dental X-rays are the most useful imaging. The critical question is not just which teeth are missing, but whether the underlying jawbone has been damaged or lost through trauma or disease (not periodontal disease). If tooth loss resulted from a combat injury or training accident, include service treatment records and incident reports. If bone loss developed from osteomyelitis or similar disease during service, treatment records showing the progression are needed. A prosthodontist evaluation documenting whether prosthetic replacement can adequately restore chewing function is important for determining the rating level.
Not for simple tooth loss. The VA requires loss of substance of the jawbone from trauma or disease for a compensable rating. Periodontal disease bone loss specifically does not count. However, if your teeth were lost due to service-connected trauma, you may still qualify for a 0% service-connected rating, which provides dental treatment benefits.
Dental treatment eligibility means the VA will provide dental care — fillings, extractions, dentures, etc. Dental disability compensation means monthly payment for dental conditions involving bone loss from trauma or disease. You can qualify for treatment without compensation, and a 0% compensable rating provides both treatment eligibility and recognition of service connection.