Oral Submucous Fibrosis

DC 9913Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913

A condition where scar-like tissue slowly builds up in the lining of the mouth, making it harder to open your mouth wide. This can make eating, speaking, and dental care difficult. The VA rates oral submucous fibrosis based on how much it limits your mouth opening and daily function.

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

Your fibrosis severely restricts mouth opening. You can only eat soft or liquid foods. You have chronic pain and may need surgical intervention.

What the VA looks for

Severe restriction of mouth opening (less than 20mm)
Liquid or soft diet required
Chronic oral pain requiring management
Surgical intervention records or recommendation
Severe functional limitation in eating and speaking

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis — the VA needs pathological confirmation of submucous fibrosis, not just a clinical observation.
⚠Not having your mouth opening measured in millimeters at every dental visit — the rating depends on the degree of restricted opening, and serial measurements show progression.
⚠Not documenting how the condition affects daily eating and speaking — keep a food diary showing what you can and cannot eat, and report speech difficulties to your provider.
⚠Not connecting to in-service exposures or habits — document any exposure to chemicals, burn pit smoke, or other irritants during service that may have caused or worsened the condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Oral Submucous Fibrosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9913

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your fibrosis severely restricts mouth opening. You can only eat soft or liquid foods. You have chronic pain and may need surgical intervention.

What the VA looks for

Severe restriction of mouth opening (less than 20mm)
Liquid or soft diet required
Chronic oral pain requiring management
Surgical intervention records or recommendation
Severe functional limitation in eating and speaking

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis — the VA needs pathological confirmation of submucous fibrosis, not just a clinical observation.

⚠Not having your mouth opening measured in millimeters at every dental visit — the rating depends on the degree of restricted opening, and serial measurements show progression.

⚠Not documenting how the condition affects daily eating and speaking — keep a food diary showing what you can and cannot eat, and report speech difficulties to your provider.

⚠Not connecting to in-service exposures or habits — document any exposure to chemicals, burn pit smoke, or other irritants during service that may have caused or worsened the condition.