Oral Fibroma

DC 9900Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900

A benign (non-cancerous) growth in the mouth made of fibrous tissue, usually found on the gums, tongue, inner cheek, or lip. Oral fibromas are often caused by chronic irritation or trauma. The VA rates oral fibromas based on whether they come back after removal and how much they affect eating or speaking.

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 9900

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 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

You have a recurring oral fibroma or one in a location that causes difficulty with eating, speaking, or wearing dentures. Multiple excisions have been needed.

What the VA looks for

Recurrent oral fibroma requiring multiple excisions
Location interfering with chewing, speaking, or denture fit
Pathology reports from repeated biopsies
Functional impact on eating or speech documented
Ongoing monitoring for recurrence

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis — the VA requires pathological confirmation to distinguish a fibroma from other oral growths, and the biopsy report is essential evidence.
⚠Not documenting recurrences with dates and pathology reports — a single fibroma removed once is unlikely to receive a compensable rating, but recurring fibromas show an ongoing disability.
⚠Not connecting the oral fibroma to in-service causes — chronic irritation from ill-fitting dental work done during service, tobacco use encouraged during service, or oral trauma during service can establish a nexus.
⚠Not describing functional impact — if the fibroma affects your ability to eat, speak, or wear dentures, these limitations must be clearly documented in your claim.

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…

Oral Fibroma

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9900

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have a recurring oral fibroma or one in a location that causes difficulty with eating, speaking, or wearing dentures. Multiple excisions have been needed.

What the VA looks for

Recurrent oral fibroma requiring multiple excisions
Location interfering with chewing, speaking, or denture fit
Pathology reports from repeated biopsies
Functional impact on eating or speech documented
Ongoing monitoring for recurrence

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis — the VA requires pathological confirmation to distinguish a fibroma from other oral growths, and the biopsy report is essential evidence.

⚠Not documenting recurrences with dates and pathology reports — a single fibroma removed once is unlikely to receive a compensable rating, but recurring fibromas show an ongoing disability.

⚠Not connecting the oral fibroma to in-service causes — chronic irritation from ill-fitting dental work done during service, tobacco use encouraged during service, or oral trauma during service can establish a nexus.

⚠Not describing functional impact — if the fibroma affects your ability to eat, speak, or wear dentures, these limitations must be clearly documented in your claim.