Bruxism

DC 9905Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9905

A condition where you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth, usually during sleep. Bruxism wears down your teeth, causes jaw pain, headaches, and can damage the jaw joint (TMJ). The VA rates bruxism based on the damage to your teeth, jaw pain, and whether it has caused TMJ problems.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

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

Your bruxism has caused severe tooth destruction and TMJ problems. You have significant jaw pain, severely limited mouth opening, and chronic headaches.

What the VA looks for

Severe dental destruction requiring crowns, extractions, or reconstruction
Significant TMJ dysfunction with crepitus and locking
Inter-incisal range 11-20mm
Chronic headaches attributed to bruxism
Significant dietary limitations and speech difficulty

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting bruxism to PTSD or anxiety disorders — stress-related bruxism is extremely common in veterans with mental health conditions and should be filed as a secondary claim.
⚠Not having jaw range of motion measured in millimeters at the C&P exam — if bruxism has caused TMJ dysfunction, the rating is based on exact inter-incisal range measurements.
⚠Not documenting the dental damage with photos and dental records — the pattern of tooth wear, fractures, and needed restorations proves the severity and chronicity of the grinding.
⚠Not filing for headaches as a secondary condition — bruxism-related headaches (tension-type or migraine) can be rated separately under the neurological rating schedule.
⚠Not requesting a sleep study if grinding occurs at night — objective documentation of nocturnal bruxism strengthens the claim significantly.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Bruxism

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9905

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your bruxism has caused severe tooth destruction and TMJ problems. You have significant jaw pain, severely limited mouth opening, and chronic headaches.

What the VA looks for

Severe dental destruction requiring crowns, extractions, or reconstruction
Significant TMJ dysfunction with crepitus and locking
Inter-incisal range 11-20mm
Chronic headaches attributed to bruxism
Significant dietary limitations and speech difficulty

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting bruxism to PTSD or anxiety disorders — stress-related bruxism is extremely common in veterans with mental health conditions and should be filed as a secondary claim.

⚠Not having jaw range of motion measured in millimeters at the C&P exam — if bruxism has caused TMJ dysfunction, the rating is based on exact inter-incisal range measurements.

⚠Not documenting the dental damage with photos and dental records — the pattern of tooth wear, fractures, and needed restorations proves the severity and chronicity of the grinding.

⚠Not filing for headaches as a secondary condition — bruxism-related headaches (tension-type or migraine) can be rated separately under the neurological rating schedule.

⚠Not requesting a sleep study if grinding occurs at night — objective documentation of nocturnal bruxism strengthens the claim significantly.