Dental Trauma Residuals, Combat

DC 9913Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913

Lasting dental problems from injuries to the teeth and jaw during combat. This includes broken, knocked-out, or damaged teeth from explosions, falls, or physical impact during military service. The VA rates combat dental trauma based on how many teeth were lost, how well you can chew, and whether you need dentures or other prosthetics.

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% – 30%

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 lost all or most teeth from combat trauma with extensive bone loss. You cannot use a prosthesis effectively and have severe difficulty chewing.

What the VA looks for

Loss of all or most teeth from combat trauma
Extensive bone loss of both upper and lower jaw
Unable to use prosthesis effectively
Severe dietary limitations (liquid or pureed diet)
Ongoing oral surgery or reconstructive procedures

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the dental trauma occurred during combat — you need evidence connecting the dental injury to a combat event, such as an IED blast, mortar attack, or physical confrontation. Buddy statements from fellow service members can help.
⚠Not understanding that combat dental trauma (Class II(a)) grants automatic eligibility for VA dental treatment — this is separate from the disability rating and provides ongoing dental care for the traumatized teeth.
⚠Not getting a CT scan or cone beam imaging to show the full extent of jaw bone loss — standard X-rays may underestimate the damage, and bone loss is what drives the rating above 0%.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — combat dental trauma often causes TMJ disorder, chronic facial pain, speech difficulties, and nutritional deficiencies that can each 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…

Dental Trauma Residuals, Combat

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9913

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You lost all or most teeth from combat trauma with extensive bone loss. You cannot use a prosthesis effectively and have severe difficulty chewing.

What the VA looks for

Loss of all or most teeth from combat trauma
Extensive bone loss of both upper and lower jaw
Unable to use prosthesis effectively
Severe dietary limitations (liquid or pureed diet)
Ongoing oral surgery or reconstructive procedures

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the dental trauma occurred during combat — you need evidence connecting the dental injury to a combat event, such as an IED blast, mortar attack, or physical confrontation. Buddy statements from fellow service members can help.

⚠Not understanding that combat dental trauma (Class II(a)) grants automatic eligibility for VA dental treatment — this is separate from the disability rating and provides ongoing dental care for the traumatized teeth.

⚠Not getting a CT scan or cone beam imaging to show the full extent of jaw bone loss — standard X-rays may underestimate the damage, and bone loss is what drives the rating above 0%.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — combat dental trauma often causes TMJ disorder, chronic facial pain, speech difficulties, and nutritional deficiencies that can each be rated separately.