Loss of Teeth — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 9913)
Diagnostic Code 9913 · 38 CFR §4.150
What Is It?
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
| 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. |
Evidence Needed
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.
C&P Exam Tips
The dental C&P exam will include a clinical examination and likely X-rays to assess bone loss. The examiner is primarily evaluating two things: which teeth are missing and whether prosthetic replacement can adequately restore your chewing ability. If your current dentures fit poorly because of bone loss, describe those problems in detail. If you have difficulty eating because prosthetics do not work well, explain exactly what foods you cannot eat and how your nutrition is affected. The examiner needs to understand both the pattern of tooth loss (which specific teeth) and the functional consequences of any bone damage.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ. Describe the in-service event or condition that caused tooth loss and bone damage — combat injury, training accident, or disease like osteomyelitis. Include dental treatment records, X-rays, and documentation of the original injury or disease. Note the specific distinction: bone loss from periodontal disease does not qualify for a compensable rating under DC 9913. For dental treatment benefits only (without compensation), different eligibility rules apply — contact your VA dental clinic.
Common Mistakes
The most common confusion is between dental treatment eligibility and disability compensation. Many veterans qualify for ongoing VA dental treatment without necessarily receiving monthly compensation. Compensation under DC 9913 requires bone loss from trauma or disease — not periodontal disease. Another frequent mistake is not documenting which specific teeth are missing, since the rating depends on the pattern (all teeth, all upper, all lower, all posterior, all anterior, or all teeth on one side). A 0% service-connected dental rating pays no monthly compensation but entitles you to lifetime VA dental treatment for the affected teeth, which has significant monetary value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a rating just for missing teeth?
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.
What is the difference between dental treatment eligibility and dental compensation?
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.