Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

DC 9900Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900

A long-lasting bone infection in the jaw (mandible or maxilla). The VA rates this condition based on how active the infection is and whether there is ongoing drainage, dead bone, or other signs of disease. Even after treatment, residual bone changes can support a rating.

Rating Levels

You have definite involucrum (new bone forming around dead bone) or sequestrum (dead bone fragments) in your jaw. The disease is ongoing and active, with drainage present.

What the VA looks for

Involucrum or sequestrum confirmed on imaging
Active drainage from jaw
Ongoing active disease requiring treatment
Surgical debridement history or planned
Pathology reports confirming necrotic bone

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting advanced imaging (CT scan or panoramic X-ray) that clearly shows bone changes, involucrum, or sequestrum — standard dental X-rays may not capture the full extent of the disease.
⚠Not keeping records of every flare-up, drainage episode, and antibiotic course — the VA looks at the pattern of active infection over the past 5 years to determine the rating level.
⚠Confusing dental osteomyelitis (DC 9900) with musculoskeletal osteomyelitis (DC 5000) — make sure your claim references the correct diagnostic code for jaw bone infection.
⚠Not documenting the cause of the infection and connecting it to military service — dental trauma, surgical complications, or infections during service should be clearly linked.
⚠Not reporting how the condition affects your daily life, including difficulty eating, jaw pain, and the burden of ongoing antibiotic treatment or surgeries.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

Rating Levels

You have definite involucrum (new bone forming around dead bone) or sequestrum (dead bone fragments) in your jaw. The disease is ongoing and active, with drainage present.

What the VA looks for

Involucrum or sequestrum confirmed on imaging
Active drainage from jaw
Ongoing active disease requiring treatment
Surgical debridement history or planned
Pathology reports confirming necrotic bone

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting advanced imaging (CT scan or panoramic X-ray) that clearly shows bone changes, involucrum, or sequestrum — standard dental X-rays may not capture the full extent of the disease.

⚠Not keeping records of every flare-up, drainage episode, and antibiotic course — the VA looks at the pattern of active infection over the past 5 years to determine the rating level.

⚠Confusing dental osteomyelitis (DC 9900) with musculoskeletal osteomyelitis (DC 5000) — make sure your claim references the correct diagnostic code for jaw bone infection.

⚠Not documenting the cause of the infection and connecting it to military service — dental trauma, surgical complications, or infections during service should be clearly linked.

⚠Not reporting how the condition affects your daily life, including difficulty eating, jaw pain, and the burden of ongoing antibiotic treatment or surgeries.