Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw

DC 9913Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913

Death of jaw bone caused by radiation therapy to the head or neck area. The radiation damages blood vessels in the bone, causing it to break down over time. This leads to exposed bone, infection, pain, and difficulty eating.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 9913

Rating range

10% – 50%

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 osteoradionecrosis is severe and extensive, requiring major jaw resection and reconstruction, or has caused complete inability to eat normally, severe chronic pain, and disfigurement.

What the VA looks for

Segmental jaw resection performed
Jaw reconstruction surgery documented
Severe impairment of eating function
Chronic severe pain requiring ongoing management
Facial disfigurement documented
Extensive bone loss on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting to radiation therapy received during military service or for a service-connected cancer — the radiation treatment record is essential for establishing causation.
⚠Not documenting the timeline from radiation to bone necrosis — osteoradionecrosis can develop months to years after radiation, and the delayed onset should not prevent a claim.
⚠Not filing for tooth loss separately — teeth lost from osteoradionecrosis can be rated separately under DC 9913, and the need for dental prostheses should be documented.
⚠Not requesting hyperbaric oxygen therapy documentation — this specialized treatment demonstrates the severity of the condition and supports higher ratings.

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 9913

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your osteoradionecrosis is severe and extensive, requiring major jaw resection and reconstruction, or has caused complete inability to eat normally, severe chronic pain, and disfigurement.

What the VA looks for

Segmental jaw resection performed
Jaw reconstruction surgery documented
Severe impairment of eating function
Chronic severe pain requiring ongoing management
Facial disfigurement documented
Extensive bone loss on imaging

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting to radiation therapy received during military service or for a service-connected cancer — the radiation treatment record is essential for establishing causation.

⚠Not documenting the timeline from radiation to bone necrosis — osteoradionecrosis can develop months to years after radiation, and the delayed onset should not prevent a claim.

⚠Not filing for tooth loss separately — teeth lost from osteoradionecrosis can be rated separately under DC 9913, and the need for dental prostheses should be documented.

⚠Not requesting hyperbaric oxygen therapy documentation — this specialized treatment demonstrates the severity of the condition and supports higher ratings.