What happens during a C&P exam for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)?

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) (DC 9905) is rated at 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 0% under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905. DC 9905 by analogy — Interincisal range 0 to 10 millimeters (mm) of maximum unassisted vertical opening, WITH dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.) Bruxism rarely reaches this tier absent severe TMJ degeneration; document with measured ROM + physician-prescribed dietary modification per Note 3.

Q: What rates 50% for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 50% rating for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) requires: DC 9905 by analogy — Interincisal range 0 to 10 millimeters (mm) of maximum unassisted vertical opening, WITH dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.) Bruxism rarely reaches this tier absent severe TMJ degeneration; document with measured ROM + physician-prescribed dietary modification per Note 3.

Q: What rates 40% for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 40% rating for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) requires: DC 9905 by analogy — One of: (i) 0 to 10 mm interincisal range WITHOUT dietary restrictions; (ii) 11 to 20 mm WITH dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods; (iii) 21 to 29 mm WITH dietary restrictions to full liquid and pureed foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.)

Q: What rates 30% for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 30% rating for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) requires: DC 9905 by analogy — One of: (i) 11 to 20 mm interincisal range WITHOUT dietary restrictions; (ii) 21 to 29 mm WITH dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods; (iii) 30 to 34 mm WITH dietary restrictions to full liquid and pureed foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.)

Q: What rates 20% for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 20% rating for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) requires: DC 9905 by analogy — One of: (i) 21 to 29 mm interincisal range WITHOUT dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods; (ii) 30 to 34 mm WITH dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.)

Q: What rates 10% for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 10% rating for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) requires: DC 9905 by analogy — 30 to 34 mm interincisal range WITHOUT dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods; OR lateral excursion range of motion 0 to 4 mm (single 10% rating; Note 1 prohibits combining limited interincisal with limited lateral excursion). (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.) Most documented bruxism with TMJ residuals lands at this tier.

Q: What rates 0% for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 0% rating for Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) requires: Documented bruxism diagnosis (dental wear pattern, witnessed grinding, polysomnography rhythmic masticatory muscle activity, night-guard prescription) without limitation of interincisal range above 34 mm and without separately-rateable residuals (no compensable tooth loss under DC 9913, no separately-rateable headache).

Q: What evidence do I need for a Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 990538 C.F.R. § 4.150

Diagnostic Code

DC 9905

38 C.F.R. § 4.150

Rating Range

0–50%

6 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 9905 of 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 across 6 severity tiers (50% / 40% / 30% / 20% / 10%…). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, often during sleep. Extremely common secondary to PTSD, anxiety, and stress. Causes tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ dysfunction.

Rating Criteria

50%

DC 9905 by analogy — Interincisal range 0 to 10 millimeters (mm) of maximum unassisted vertical opening, WITH dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.) Bruxism rarely reaches this tier absent severe TMJ degeneration; document with measured ROM + physician-prescribed dietary modification per Note 3.

40%

DC 9905 by analogy — One of: (i) 0 to 10 mm interincisal range WITHOUT dietary restrictions; (ii) 11 to 20 mm WITH dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods; (iii) 21 to 29 mm WITH dietary restrictions to full liquid and pureed foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.)

30%

DC 9905 by analogy — One of: (i) 11 to 20 mm interincisal range WITHOUT dietary restrictions; (ii) 21 to 29 mm WITH dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods; (iii) 30 to 34 mm WITH dietary restrictions to full liquid and pureed foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.)

20%

DC 9905 by analogy — One of: (i) 21 to 29 mm interincisal range WITHOUT dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods; (ii) 30 to 34 mm WITH dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.)

10%

DC 9905 by analogy — 30 to 34 mm interincisal range WITHOUT dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods; OR lateral excursion range of motion 0 to 4 mm (single 10% rating; Note 1 prohibits combining limited interincisal with limited lateral excursion). (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9905.) Most documented bruxism with TMJ residuals lands at this tier.

Documented bruxism diagnosis (dental wear pattern, witnessed grinding, polysomnography rhythmic masticatory muscle activity, night-guard prescription) without limitation of interincisal range above 34 mm and without separately-rateable residuals (no compensable tooth loss under DC 9913, no separately-rateable headache).

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

More in Dental

Dental Trauma / Loss of Teeth Periodontal Disease Oral / Throat Cancer Jaw Fracture Residuals Loss of Teeth (Service Trauma)TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)Combat Dental Trauma Bruxism / TMJ All conditions →

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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