Loss of Teeth
Loss of teeth is rated under DC 9913, but only if the missing teeth cannot be replaced by suitable prosthesis. If teeth can be replaced, they cannot receive a disability compensation rating. Veterans who already have a rating for upper or lower jaw loss (not including TMJ) cannot also receive a separate rating for tooth loss. Missing teeth can be service-connected for VA dental care if the loss resulted from trauma or disease (other than brief gum disease), or if teeth were extracted after 180 or more days of active service. Teeth missing before military service cannot be service-connected regardless of restorative care received during service.
VA Rating Levels
Cannot be rated if missing teeth can be replaced by prosthesis.
All upper and lower teeth on one side are missing, or all upper or lower anterior teeth (canines and between) are missing.
All upper and lower anterior teeth are missing, or all upper and lower posterior teeth (behind the canines) are missing.
All lower teeth or all upper teeth are missing.
All teeth are missing.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Do not file a disability compensation claim for teeth that can be replaced. Instead, contact your VAMC dental clinic to establish service connection for dental care.
- →For teeth pulled due to chronic gum disease, they can only be service-connected if extracted after 180 days or more of active service.
- →The distinction between anterior teeth (canines and the teeth between them) and posterior teeth (behind the canines) matters for the rating level.
- →If your teeth were knocked out in service or lost due to injury, that is the strongest basis for a disability compensation claim.
- →Teeth missing before you joined the military cannot be service-connected, even if they were treated during service.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.150, DC 9913