Diagnostic Code 9915 · 38 CFR §4.150
DC 9915 covers loss of half or less of the maxilla (upper jaw). While less extensive than DC 9914, this degree of bone loss still significantly affects eating, speaking, and breathing. Veterans typically sustain this kind of damage from combat injuries, blast exposure, or surgical removal of tumors during or after service. The rating depends on two factors: how much of the maxilla is missing (25-50 percent versus less than 25 percent) and whether a prosthesis can replace the lost bone and restore function. Even smaller amounts of maxilla loss can create an oronasal fistula (opening between mouth and nose) that causes food and liquid to enter the nasal passages.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 40% | Loss of 25 to 50 percent of the maxilla that cannot be replaced by a prosthesis. A significant portion of the upper jaw is missing and prosthetic reconstruction is not feasible, leaving permanent functional impairment. |
| 30% | Loss of 25 to 50 percent of the maxilla that can be replaced by a prosthesis. The bone loss is significant but prosthetic reconstruction can restore adequate function. |
| 20% | Loss of less than 25 percent of the maxilla that cannot be replaced by a prosthesis. A smaller area is missing but the defect cannot be prosthetically corrected. |
| 0% | Loss of less than 25 percent of the maxilla that can be replaced by a prosthesis. The defect is small and can be adequately corrected with prosthetic reconstruction. A 0% rating still establishes service connection. |
CT scans showing the extent of maxilla loss are needed. Surgical records documenting the cause of bone loss are important. Service treatment records establishing the in-service event are required. A prosthodontist or oral surgeon evaluation assessing the percentage of maxilla that is missing and whether prosthetic replacement is feasible determines both dimensions of the rating.
If the loss is exactly half or less, it falls under DC 9915. If the loss is more than half, it falls under DC 9914, which has higher rating levels (50% and 100%). The determination is made by the examining oral surgeon based on imaging.
Yes. A 0% service-connected rating under DC 9915 pays no monthly compensation but establishes service connection, which can qualify you for VA dental treatment and matters if the condition worsens in the future.