What happens during a C&P exam for Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease)?

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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Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease)?

Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease) (DC 9913) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9913. Periodontitis with alveolar process loss attributable to periodontal disease alone — NOT compensable per the verbatim § 4.150 DC 9913 NOTE: "These ratings apply only to bone loss through trauma or disease such as osteomyelitis, and not to the loss of the alveolar process as a result of periodontal disease, since such loss is not considered disabling." Even severe periodontitis with substantial tooth loss receives 0% unless a separate causal pathway (trauma, osteomyelitis, irradiation, bisphosphonate exposure) is established.

Q: What rates 0% for Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease) under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9913?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9913 (DC 9913), a 0% rating for Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease) requires: Periodontitis with alveolar process loss attributable to periodontal disease alone — NOT compensable per the verbatim § 4.150 DC 9913 NOTE: "These ratings apply only to bone loss through trauma or disease such as osteomyelitis, and not to the loss of the alveolar process as a result of periodontal disease, since such loss is not considered disabling." Even severe periodontitis with substantial tooth loss receives 0% unless a separate causal pathway (trauma, osteomyelitis, irradiation, bisphosphonate exposure) is established.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease) 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 991338 C.F.R. § 4.150

Diagnostic Code

DC 9913

38 C.F.R. § 4.150

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Periodontitis (Periodontal Disease) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 9913 of 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9913 across 1 severity tier (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 gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Leads to tooth loosening and loss. Can be aggravated by medications (dry mouth side effect), tobacco use, and neglect of dental care during deployments.

Rating Criteria

Periodontitis with alveolar process loss attributable to periodontal disease alone — NOT compensable per the verbatim § 4.150 DC 9913 NOTE: "These ratings apply only to bone loss through trauma or disease such as osteomyelitis, and not to the loss of the alveolar process as a result of periodontal disease, since such loss is not considered disabling." Even severe periodontitis with substantial tooth loss receives 0% unless a separate causal pathway (trauma, osteomyelitis, irradiation, bisphosphonate exposure) is established.

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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