Mandibular Torus Removal Residuals

DC 9999-9900Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9999-9900

Residual effects from surgical removal of a torus mandibularis, which is a bony growth on the inside of the lower jaw. Surgery may be needed when the growth interferes with eating, speaking, or fitting dentures. Rated based on residual complications.

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 9999-9900

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9999-9900. 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 mandibular torus removal left residual effects such as chronic pain at the surgical site, nerve damage causing numbness of the lower lip or chin, or the bony growth has recurred.

What the VA looks for

Chronic pain at surgical site documented
Sensory deficit (numbness) in lower lip or chin
Inferior alveolar nerve injury documented
Recurrence of torus on examination
Impact on denture fitting or oral function

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the reason the surgery was needed — if the torus was removed because it interfered with eating or speaking during military service, this supports service connection.
⚠Not describing nerve damage from the surgery — numbness of the lower lip, chin, or tongue after torus removal indicates inferior alveolar nerve injury, which can be rated separately.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — if the torus removal was needed to fit dentures for service-connected tooth loss, the surgical residuals are secondary to the dental condition.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9999-9900

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your mandibular torus removal left residual effects such as chronic pain at the surgical site, nerve damage causing numbness of the lower lip or chin, or the bony growth has recurred.

What the VA looks for

Chronic pain at surgical site documented
Sensory deficit (numbness) in lower lip or chin
Inferior alveolar nerve injury documented
Recurrence of torus on examination
Impact on denture fitting or oral function

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the reason the surgery was needed — if the torus was removed because it interfered with eating or speaking during military service, this supports service connection.

⚠Not describing nerve damage from the surgery — numbness of the lower lip, chin, or tongue after torus removal indicates inferior alveolar nerve injury, which can be rated separately.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — if the torus removal was needed to fit dentures for service-connected tooth loss, the surgical residuals are secondary to the dental condition.