Loss of Teeth Due to Bone Loss

DC 9913Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913

Loss of teeth caused by loss of substance of the body of the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw) due to trauma or disease such as osteomyelitis. The VA rates this condition based on the number of teeth lost and whether they can be replaced by a suitable prosthesis (denture or implant). Tooth loss from periodontal disease alone is not compensable.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 9913

Rating range

0% – 40%

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

You have lost all teeth (upper and lower) due to bone loss, and they cannot be replaced by a suitable prosthesis. This is the maximum schedular rating for tooth loss.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of all upper and lower teeth
Severe bone loss of both maxilla and mandible
Unable to wear dentures or receive implants due to bone loss
Significant nutritional deficiency or dietary restriction
Speech impairment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing that tooth loss is due to bone loss from trauma or disease — the VA does not compensate tooth loss caused solely by periodontal (gum) disease. You must show that the bone loss resulted from in-service trauma, osteomyelitis, or other qualifying disease.
⚠Assuming a 0% rating has no value — a 0% service-connected dental rating qualifies you for ongoing VA dental treatment, which is a significant benefit even without monthly compensation.
⚠Not documenting why prosthesis is not suitable — higher ratings require proof that dentures or implants cannot restore the lost chewing surface. Get a dental specialist to explain why prosthetic replacement is not feasible due to the extent of bone loss.
⚠Not claiming secondary nutritional deficiencies — significant tooth loss can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and gastrointestinal problems from inability to properly chew food, which may be rated separately.

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…

Loss of Teeth Due to Bone Loss

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9913

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have lost all teeth (upper and lower) due to bone loss, and they cannot be replaced by a suitable prosthesis. This is the maximum schedular rating for tooth loss.

What the VA looks for

Complete loss of all upper and lower teeth
Severe bone loss of both maxilla and mandible
Unable to wear dentures or receive implants due to bone loss
Significant nutritional deficiency or dietary restriction
Speech impairment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing that tooth loss is due to bone loss from trauma or disease — the VA does not compensate tooth loss caused solely by periodontal (gum) disease. You must show that the bone loss resulted from in-service trauma, osteomyelitis, or other qualifying disease.

⚠Assuming a 0% rating has no value — a 0% service-connected dental rating qualifies you for ongoing VA dental treatment, which is a significant benefit even without monthly compensation.

⚠Not documenting why prosthesis is not suitable — higher ratings require proof that dentures or implants cannot restore the lost chewing surface. Get a dental specialist to explain why prosthetic replacement is not feasible due to the extent of bone loss.

⚠Not claiming secondary nutritional deficiencies — significant tooth loss can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and gastrointestinal problems from inability to properly chew food, which may be rated separately.