Loss of Teeth (Due to Bone Loss)

DC 9913Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913

Loss of teeth due to loss of substance of the body of the maxilla or mandible (jaw bone). The VA rates tooth loss based on how many teeth are missing and whether they can be replaced by a prosthesis (denture). Only tooth loss due to bone loss is compensable — tooth loss from gum disease alone is not.

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% – 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 teeth due to bone loss where the lost masticatory surface cannot be restored by prosthesis, involving loss of all upper and all lower teeth.

What the VA looks for

Loss of all teeth (upper and lower)
Bone loss documented throughout
Cannot be restored by any suitable prosthesis
Severe functional limitation in eating

Common Pitfalls

⚠The VA only compensates for tooth loss due to bone loss from trauma or disease like osteomyelitis — tooth loss from periodontal (gum) disease alone is NOT compensable. Make sure your records document the cause.
⚠Not understanding the difference between compensable (bone loss) and non-compensable (gum disease) dental conditions — get clear documentation from your dentist about the cause of tooth loss.
⚠A 0% rating still establishes service connection and may qualify you for ongoing VA dental treatment, which can be very valuable even without compensation.
⚠Not documenting the impact on your ability to eat, speak, and maintain nutrition — this supports the functional impairment aspect of the rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Loss of Teeth (Due to Bone Loss) or rated under the same body system.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

DC 9905·Dental/Oral

Jaw Fracture Residuals

DC 9904·Dental/Oral

Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

DC 9900·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…

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 teeth due to bone loss where the lost masticatory surface cannot be restored by prosthesis, involving loss of all upper and all lower teeth.

What the VA looks for

Loss of all teeth (upper and lower)
Bone loss documented throughout
Cannot be restored by any suitable prosthesis
Severe functional limitation in eating

Common Pitfalls

⚠The VA only compensates for tooth loss due to bone loss from trauma or disease like osteomyelitis — tooth loss from periodontal (gum) disease alone is NOT compensable. Make sure your records document the cause.

⚠Not understanding the difference between compensable (bone loss) and non-compensable (gum disease) dental conditions — get clear documentation from your dentist about the cause of tooth loss.

⚠A 0% rating still establishes service connection and may qualify you for ongoing VA dental treatment, which can be very valuable even without compensation.

⚠Not documenting the impact on your ability to eat, speak, and maintain nutrition — this supports the functional impairment aspect of the rating.