---
title: "DC 9900 - Maxilla or mandible, chronic osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis or osteoradionecrosis of"
diagnostic_code: "9900"
body_system: "Dental and Oral Conditions"
cfr_section: "§ 4.150"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/dental/9900-maxilla-or-mandible-chronic-osteomyelitis-osteonecrosis-or"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.150"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:47:43.747314Z"
---

# DC 9900 - Maxilla or mandible, chronic osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis or osteoradionecrosis of

Rated under § 4.150. Body system: Dental and Oral Conditions.

Rate as osteomyelitis, chronic under diagnostic code 5000.

## Rating criteria

No itemised criteria have been extracted for this code. Use the official source.

## Notes

- Note (1): For VA compensation purposes, diagnostic imaging studies include, but are not limited to, conventional radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), radionuclide bone scanning, or ultrasonography
- Note (2): Separately evaluate loss of vocal articulation, loss of smell, loss of taste, neurological impairment, respiratory dysfunction, and other impairments under the appropriate diagnostic code and combine under § 4.25 for each separately rated condition

# Chronic Osteomyelitis, Osteonecrosis, or Osteoradionecrosis of the Maxilla or Mandible

**VA Diagnostic Code 9900 · 38 CFR § 4.150 · Dental and Oral Conditions**

## Understanding This Condition

This condition involves chronic osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, or osteoradionecrosis affecting the **maxilla** (upper jaw) or **mandible** (lower jaw). These are serious conditions in which the bone of the jaw becomes infected, damaged, or begins to break down — including bone injury that can result from prior radiation exposure (osteoradionecrosis).

The VA classifies this condition under its Dental and Oral Conditions listings.

## How the VA Rates This Condition

Under Diagnostic Code 9900, the VA does not use a separate rating table for the jaw. Instead, the criteria direct that this condition be **rated as chronic osteomyelitis under Diagnostic Code 5000**. The rating for your condition is determined by the standards that apply to chronic osteomyelitis.

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating this condition, the VA considers the following:

- **Diagnostic imaging studies.** For VA compensation purposes, imaging studies may include — but are not limited to — conventional radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), radionuclide bone scanning, or ultrasonography.

- **Separately evaluated impairments.** The VA separately evaluates certain related impairments under the appropriate diagnostic code and combines them under § 4.25 for each separately rated condition. These impairments include:
  - Loss of vocal articulation
  - Loss of smell
  - Loss of taste
  - Neurological impairment
  - Respiratory dysfunction
  - Other impairments

## Key Takeaways

- **Diagnostic Code:** 9900
- **Regulation:** 38 CFR § 4.150
- **Body System:** Dental and Oral Conditions
- **Rating Basis:** Rated as chronic osteomyelitis under Diagnostic Code 5000
- **Additional Impairments:** Related impairments such as loss of smell, taste, vocal articulation, and others may be separately evaluated and combined under § 4.25.

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule. It does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of any particular rating outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.150