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.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

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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 9913 | 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9913 | 

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.

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 (1 LEVELS)

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.

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-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

C&P EXAM TIPS (6)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.
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