Atypical Facial Pain

DC 9905Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9905

Chronic face pain that does not follow the typical pattern of nerve pain (trigeminal neuralgia) and has no clear dental or structural cause. The pain is often constant, dull, and aching, and can affect the jaw, cheeks, and temples. The VA rates atypical facial pain based on how severe and frequent the pain is and how much it limits your daily life.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 9905

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9905. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have constant, severe facial pain that is resistant to treatment. The pain severely limits your ability to eat, speak, and function normally.

What the VA looks for

Constant severe pain documented by pain specialist
Treatment-resistant despite multiple medication trials
Nerve blocks or other interventional procedures attempted
Severe limitation of eating (liquid or soft diet)
Significant impact on employment and social functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not completing a thorough workup to rule out other causes — the VA will question an atypical facial pain diagnosis if dental, sinus, TMJ, and neurological causes have not been properly excluded.
⚠Not keeping a pain diary documenting frequency, severity, and triggers — chronic pain claims rely heavily on consistent documentation of the pain pattern over time.
⚠Not connecting facial pain to service-related events — jaw injuries, dental procedures during service, concussions or TBI, and stress-related conditions (PTSD) can all cause or worsen chronic facial pain.
⚠Not documenting failed treatments — showing that multiple medications, nerve blocks, and therapies have been tried and failed demonstrates the treatment-resistant nature of the condition and supports a higher rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

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Condition Rating Guides

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Atypical Facial Pain

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9905

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have constant, severe facial pain that is resistant to treatment. The pain severely limits your ability to eat, speak, and function normally.

What the VA looks for

Constant severe pain documented by pain specialist
Treatment-resistant despite multiple medication trials
Nerve blocks or other interventional procedures attempted
Severe limitation of eating (liquid or soft diet)
Significant impact on employment and social functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not completing a thorough workup to rule out other causes — the VA will question an atypical facial pain diagnosis if dental, sinus, TMJ, and neurological causes have not been properly excluded.

⚠Not keeping a pain diary documenting frequency, severity, and triggers — chronic pain claims rely heavily on consistent documentation of the pain pattern over time.

⚠Not connecting facial pain to service-related events — jaw injuries, dental procedures during service, concussions or TBI, and stress-related conditions (PTSD) can all cause or worsen chronic facial pain.

⚠Not documenting failed treatments — showing that multiple medications, nerve blocks, and therapies have been tried and failed demonstrates the treatment-resistant nature of the condition and supports a higher rating.