Dental Implant Failure Residuals

DC 9913Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913

Ongoing problems after a dental implant has failed, including bone loss in the jaw, infection, nerve damage, and difficulty eating. The VA rates implant failure residuals based on the extent of bone loss, remaining functional impairment, and whether you can use a prosthesis.

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 9913

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913. 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 failed implant has caused significant bone loss, chronic infection, or nerve damage. You cannot use a prosthesis in the area and have significant difficulty eating. Multiple teeth may be affected.

What the VA looks for

Significant bone loss on CT scan
Chronic osteomyelitis or infection at implant site
Nerve damage (numbness of lip or chin) documented
Multiple teeth lost from implant failure
Unable to use prosthesis in affected area
Significant dietary limitations from chewing difficulty

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan to document the full extent of bone loss — regular X-rays may underestimate the amount of jaw bone lost from a failed implant. A cone beam CT provides detailed 3D imaging.
⚠Not documenting nerve damage separately — if the failed implant caused numbness or tingling in your lip, chin, or tongue, this nerve injury can be rated separately under the neurological rating schedule.
⚠Not connecting to in-service dental care — if the implant was placed during military service or to treat a service-connected dental condition, the failure residuals should be claimed as directly related.
⚠Not filing for chronic infection as a separate condition — osteomyelitis (bone infection) from a failed implant can be rated separately and may require long-term antibiotic treatment.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Dental Implant Failure Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9913

Rating range

0% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Significant bone loss on CT scan
Chronic osteomyelitis or infection at implant site
Nerve damage (numbness of lip or chin) documented
Multiple teeth lost from implant failure
Unable to use prosthesis in affected area
Significant dietary limitations from chewing difficulty

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan to document the full extent of bone loss — regular X-rays may underestimate the amount of jaw bone lost from a failed implant. A cone beam CT provides detailed 3D imaging.

⚠Not documenting nerve damage separately — if the failed implant caused numbness or tingling in your lip, chin, or tongue, this nerve injury can be rated separately under the neurological rating schedule.

⚠Not connecting to in-service dental care — if the implant was placed during military service or to treat a service-connected dental condition, the failure residuals should be claimed as directly related.

⚠Not filing for chronic infection as a separate condition — osteomyelitis (bone infection) from a failed implant can be rated separately and may require long-term antibiotic treatment.