VA Dental Disability Ratings: Criteria, Compensation, and How to Apply

Dental disabilities are an often-overlooked but significant issue for many veterans. Conditions such as tooth loss, jaw injuries, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can greatly affect a veteran’s quality of life. These issues are more than cosmetic concerns, as they can interfere with basic functions such as eating, speaking, and maintaining self-confidence. Veterans who suffer from these conditions due to their military service may qualify for VA disability compensation.

Understanding how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rates dental and oral disabilities, the compensation available, and the eligibility criteria is essential for veterans seeking benefits. This article will break down the VA rating criteria for common dental conditions, how veterans can apply for compensation, and the dental benefits provided through the VA.

Overview: VA Dental Disability Ratings

Benefit Type	Details
Service Connection	Veterans must prove a link between their dental disability and an event, injury, or illness that occurred during their military service.
VA Rating Criteria	Dental conditions are rated based on severity, with ratings ranging from 0% to 100%. Different diagnostic codes (DCs) are used to rate specific dental issues.
Common Dental Conditions Rated	Includes tooth loss, jaw injuries, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and maxillary and mandibular bone issues.
VA Dental Care	VA dental care includes routine cleanings, restorations, dentures, oral surgery, and facial reconstruction surgeries, depending on eligibility.
Eligibility for Benefits	Veterans with service-connected dental conditions are typically eligible for compensation and dental care. Veterans may also be eligible for secondary service connection.

Service Connection for Dental and Oral Disabilities

To qualify for VA disability benefits for dental and oral conditions, veterans must demonstrate three key elements:

1. An In-Service Event, Injury, or Illness: The veteran must provide evidence that their dental condition is related to their military service. This could involve a physical injury, such as trauma to the jaw, or exposure to harmful conditions during service that led to oral health problems.
2. A Current Diagnosis: A current diagnosis from a healthcare provider, typically a dentist or oral surgeon, is required. The veteran must present medical records that confirm their dental condition.
3. A Nexus (Link) Between Service and Current Disability: There must be a link between the dental condition and the veteran’s military service. This is where a nexus opinion from a medical professional can help establish the connection between service and the disability.

Veterans can also pursue secondary service connection if their dental condition is caused by another service-connected issue, such as a jaw injury sustained in service that led to tooth loss or damage.

If necessary, the VA will schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to assess the severity of the condition and determine whether a connection to service exists.

“Veterans often don’t realize that dental conditions can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being. The VA recognizes this and offers compensation for dental disabilities that are directly tied to military service,” says Dr. Alan Mitchell, a VA dental claims specialist.

VA Disability Ratings for Dental and Oral Conditions

Dental conditions are rated under 38 CFR § 4.150, with ratings assigned based on the severity of the condition. Diagnostic Codes (DCs) 9900 through 9918 cover a variety of oral conditions, from tooth loss to jawbone disorders. These conditions are rated in increments of 10% to 100%. Below is a breakdown of some of the common dental conditions rated by the VA.

Mandible (Lower Jaw) Ratings

Diagnostic Code 9901 pertains to the loss of the mandible (lower jaw), with the following ratings:

• 100%: Complete loss of the mandible, between angles.
• 70%: Loss of one-half or more of the mandible, involving temporomandibular articulation, not replaceable by prosthesis.
• 50%: Loss of one-half or more of the mandible, involving temporomandibular articulation, replaceable by prosthesis.

“Mandible issues can have a profound impact on a veteran’s daily life, especially when jaw functions such as chewing and speaking are compromised. The VA provides compensation based on the extent of the damage,” explains John Harrison, a military claims lawyer.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Ratings

Diagnostic Code 9905 is used to rate temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition affecting the jaw muscles and nerves. Ratings are based on the maximum unassisted vertical opening of the jaw, with the following criteria:

• 0 to 10 mm: 50% rating with dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods; 40% rating without dietary restrictions.
• 11 to 20 mm: 40% with dietary restrictions; 30% without dietary restrictions.
• 21 to 29 mm: 40% with dietary restrictions to full liquid and pureed foods; 30% with dietary restrictions to soft foods; 20% without restrictions.
• 30 to 34 mm: 30% with dietary restrictions to full liquid and pureed foods; 20% with dietary restrictions to soft foods; 10% without restrictions.

A 10% rating applies for TMD with lateral excursion range of motion of 0 to 4 mm.

Loss of Teeth Ratings

Diagnostic Code 9913 addresses the loss of teeth due to issues such as jawbone loss. The ratings are as follows:

• 40%: Loss of all teeth.
• 30%: Loss of all upper or all lower teeth.
• 20%: Loss of all upper and lower posterior or anterior teeth.
• 10%: Loss of all upper or lower anterior teeth, or loss of teeth on one side.

“Loss of teeth can affect a veteran’s self-esteem and ability to function in everyday life. The VA recognizes this and provides ratings based on how the loss impacts the veteran’s oral function,” says Dr. Sarah Linton, a VA dental consultant.

Maxilla (Upper Jaw) Ratings

Diagnostic Code 9914 rates the loss of the maxilla (upper jaw). The ratings are:

• 100%: Loss of more than half of the maxilla, not replaceable by prosthesis.
• 50%: Loss of more than half of the maxilla, replaceable by prosthesis.
• 40%: Loss of 25% to 50% of the maxilla, not replaceable by prosthesis.
• 30%: Loss of 25% to 50% of the maxilla, replaceable by prosthesis.

Neoplasm (Tumor) Ratings

Diagnostic Codes 9917 and 9918 apply to neoplasms (tumors) in the mouth or jaw. A malignant (cancerous) tumor is rated at 100% under Diagnostic Code 9918. This rating is continuous as long as the cancer remains active and for an additional six months after treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation). The VA then reassesses the condition and assigns a new rating based on residual effects.

VA Dental Benefits

In addition to disability compensation, the VA provides dental care services for veterans who meet specific eligibility criteria. The type and amount of care depend on factors such as disability rating, income level, and military service.

VA dental care can include:

• Routine dental cleanings and X-rays.
• Restorative procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges.
• Prosthetics, including dentures.
• Oral surgery, such as tooth extractions.
• Reconstructive facial surgery for veterans with injuries affecting the jaw or mouth.

Eligibility for VA dental benefits typically depends on whether the veteran has a service-connected dental condition, is rated at 100% disability, or meets other qualifying factors.

“Dental health is a critical part of overall well-being, and veterans should take full advantage of VA dental services if they qualify,” states Sarah Peters, a VA eligibility specialist.

Final Thought

Dental conditions can have a significant impact on veterans, affecting everything from basic functions to overall quality of life. Fortunately, the VA dental disability rating system offers compensation for veterans who suffer from service-connected dental issues. Understanding the rating criteria, compensation eligibility, and available dental benefits can help ensure veterans receive the support they need to manage their conditions and improve their oral health.

If you are a veteran suffering from a dental condition related to your military service, it is crucial to explore your eligibility for VA dental compensation and care services. By submitting the necessary documentation and working with VA healthcare providers, veterans can access the resources needed to address their dental disabilities effectively.

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