Chronic Periodontal Disease

DC 9913Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913

Chronic infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Can be service-connected when caused by service-connected conditions, medications, or poor dental care during service. Rated based on tooth loss and masticatory function.

Rating Levels

All of your upper and lower teeth are missing and you are unable to wear a prosthesis.

What the VA looks for

All upper and lower teeth missing documented
Unable to wear prosthesis (documented reason)
Severe bone loss preventing any prosthesis fitting
Significant impact on nutrition and diet
Dental examination and imaging confirming complete tooth loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠VA dental claims are complex — service connection for treatment purposes differs from compensation purposes. Ensure you understand which type of claim you are filing.
⚠Need to establish that tooth loss is due to combat injury, POW status, or service-connected condition — general periodontal disease alone may not qualify for compensation.
⚠Dry mouth from service-connected medications (antidepressants, pain meds) causing periodontal disease can establish secondary connection — document the medication side effects.
⚠Document all dental work timeline during and after service — showing progression of dental disease from service helps establish the connection.

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…

Rating Levels

All of your upper and lower teeth are missing and you are unable to wear a prosthesis.

What the VA looks for

All upper and lower teeth missing documented
Unable to wear prosthesis (documented reason)
Severe bone loss preventing any prosthesis fitting
Significant impact on nutrition and diet
Dental examination and imaging confirming complete tooth loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠VA dental claims are complex — service connection for treatment purposes differs from compensation purposes. Ensure you understand which type of claim you are filing.

⚠Need to establish that tooth loss is due to combat injury, POW status, or service-connected condition — general periodontal disease alone may not qualify for compensation.

⚠Dry mouth from service-connected medications (antidepressants, pain meds) causing periodontal disease can establish secondary connection — document the medication side effects.

⚠Document all dental work timeline during and after service — showing progression of dental disease from service helps establish the connection.