What happens during a C&P exam for Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Burning Mouth Syndrome

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning Mouth Syndrome (DC 8205) is rated at 30%, 20%, 10%, 0% under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment). Severe neuritis (DC 8305 severe = 30%) or severe paralysis incomplete (DC 8205 incomplete-severe = 30%). Constant disabling burning sensation affecting eating, speaking, or sleep; refractory to first-line treatment (carbamazepine, gabapentin, alpha-lipoic acid).

Q: What rates 30% for Burning Mouth Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment) (DC 8205), a 30% rating for Burning Mouth Syndrome requires: Severe neuritis (DC 8305 severe = 30%) or severe paralysis incomplete (DC 8205 incomplete-severe = 30%). Constant disabling burning sensation affecting eating, speaking, or sleep; refractory to first-line treatment (carbamazepine, gabapentin, alpha-lipoic acid).

Q: What rates 20% for Burning Mouth Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment) (DC 8205), a 20% rating for Burning Mouth Syndrome requires: Moderate neuritis (DC 8305 moderate = 20%) or severe neuralgia (DC 8405 severe = 20%). Frequent burning episodes affecting eating + taste; partial response to medication.

Q: What rates 10% for Burning Mouth Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment) (DC 8205), a 10% rating for Burning Mouth Syndrome requires: Mild incomplete paralysis (DC 8205 moderate = 10%) or mild neuritis/neuralgia (DC 8305/8405 mild = 10%). Intermittent burning sensation managed with topical/systemic medication.

Q: What rates 0% for Burning Mouth Syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment) (DC 8205), a 0% rating for Burning Mouth Syndrome requires: Documented diagnosis but minimal functional impact; controlled with topical agents (lidocaine rinses, capsaicin, artificial saliva).

Q: What evidence do I need for a Burning Mouth Syndrome VA claim?

Key evidence for a Burning Mouth Syndrome claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 820538 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Diagnostic Code

DC 8205

38 C.F.R. § 4.124a

Rating Range

0–30%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Burning Mouth Syndrome is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 8205 of 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8205 / 8305 / 8405 (by analogy as trigeminal sensory neuropathy — DC 9916 is now "Maxilla malunion" post-2017 amendment) across 4 severity tiers (30% / 20% / 10% / 0%). 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

Chronic burning sensation in the mouth without an identifiable cause. Affects the tongue, gums, lips, palate, or entire mouth. Often associated with dry mouth, taste changes, and medication side effects. More common in post-menopausal women and veterans on multiple medications.

Rating Criteria

30%

Severe neuritis (DC 8305 severe = 30%) or severe paralysis incomplete (DC 8205 incomplete-severe = 30%). Constant disabling burning sensation affecting eating, speaking, or sleep; refractory to first-line treatment (carbamazepine, gabapentin, alpha-lipoic acid).

20%

Moderate neuritis (DC 8305 moderate = 20%) or severe neuralgia (DC 8405 severe = 20%). Frequent burning episodes affecting eating + taste; partial response to medication.

10%

Mild incomplete paralysis (DC 8205 moderate = 10%) or mild neuritis/neuralgia (DC 8305/8405 mild = 10%). Intermittent burning sensation managed with topical/systemic medication.

Documented diagnosis but minimal functional impact; controlled with topical agents (lidocaine rinses, capsaicin, artificial saliva).

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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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