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.

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 →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Loss of Teeth (Due to Bone Loss)

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.