Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

DC 9900Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900

A long-lasting bone infection in the jaw (mandible or maxilla). The VA rates this condition based on how active the infection is and whether there is ongoing drainage, dead bone, or other signs of disease. Even after treatment, residual bone changes can support a rating.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 9900

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900. 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 definite involucrum (new bone forming around dead bone) or sequestrum (dead bone fragments) in your jaw. The disease is ongoing and active, with drainage present.

What the VA looks for

Involucrum or sequestrum confirmed on imaging
Active drainage from jaw
Ongoing active disease requiring treatment
Surgical debridement history or planned
Pathology reports confirming necrotic bone

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting advanced imaging (CT scan or panoramic X-ray) that clearly shows bone changes, involucrum, or sequestrum — standard dental X-rays may not capture the full extent of the disease.
⚠Not keeping records of every flare-up, drainage episode, and antibiotic course — the VA looks at the pattern of active infection over the past 5 years to determine the rating level.
⚠Confusing dental osteomyelitis (DC 9900) with musculoskeletal osteomyelitis (DC 5000) — make sure your claim references the correct diagnostic code for jaw bone infection.
⚠Not documenting the cause of the infection and connecting it to military service — dental trauma, surgical complications, or infections during service should be clearly linked.
⚠Not reporting how the condition affects your daily life, including difficulty eating, jaw pain, and the burden of ongoing antibiotic treatment or surgeries.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Jaw or rated under the same body system.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

DC 9905·Dental/Oral

Loss of Teeth (Due to Bone Loss)

DC 9913·Dental/Oral

Jaw Fracture Residuals

DC 9904·Dental/Oral

Nonunion of the Mandible

DC 9903·Dental/Oral

Loss of Hard Palate

DC 9911·Dental/Oral

Partial Loss of Mandible

DC 9902·Dental/Oral

Partial Loss of Maxilla

DC 9901·Dental/Oral

Loss of Soft Palate

DC 9912·Dental/Oral

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9900

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have definite involucrum (new bone forming around dead bone) or sequestrum (dead bone fragments) in your jaw. The disease is ongoing and active, with drainage present.

What the VA looks for

Involucrum or sequestrum confirmed on imaging
Active drainage from jaw
Ongoing active disease requiring treatment
Surgical debridement history or planned
Pathology reports confirming necrotic bone

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting advanced imaging (CT scan or panoramic X-ray) that clearly shows bone changes, involucrum, or sequestrum — standard dental X-rays may not capture the full extent of the disease.

⚠Not keeping records of every flare-up, drainage episode, and antibiotic course — the VA looks at the pattern of active infection over the past 5 years to determine the rating level.

⚠Confusing dental osteomyelitis (DC 9900) with musculoskeletal osteomyelitis (DC 5000) — make sure your claim references the correct diagnostic code for jaw bone infection.

⚠Not documenting the cause of the infection and connecting it to military service — dental trauma, surgical complications, or infections during service should be clearly linked.

⚠Not reporting how the condition affects your daily life, including difficulty eating, jaw pain, and the burden of ongoing antibiotic treatment or surgeries.