---
title: "DC 9915 - Maxilla, loss of half or less"
diagnostic_code: "9915"
body_system: "Dental and Oral Conditions"
cfr_section: "§ 4.150"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/dental/9915-maxilla-loss-of-half-or-less"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.150"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:51:41.732566Z"
---

# DC 9915 - Maxilla, loss of half or less

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

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 40% | Loss of 25 to 50 percent: Not replaceable by prosthesis |
| 30% | Loss of 25 to 50 percent: Replaceable by prosthesis |
| 20% | Loss of less than 25 percent: Not replaceable by prosthesis |
| 0% | Loss of less than 25 percent: Replaceable by prosthesis |

## 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

# Maxilla, Loss of Half or Less (VA Diagnostic Code 9915)

## Understanding This Rating

The **maxilla** is the upper jaw bone. When a portion of it is lost — up to half or less — the VA evaluates the impact under **Diagnostic Code 9915**, part of the Dental and Oral Conditions body system (**§ 4.150**).

Two key factors shape how this condition is rated:

1. **How much of the maxilla was lost** — measured as a percentage (less than 25 percent, or 25 to 50 percent).
2. **Whether the loss can be replaced by a prosthesis** — a device used to restore the missing portion.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the extent of loss and whether it is replaceable by prosthesis:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **40%** | Loss of 25 to 50 percent: **Not** replaceable by prosthesis |
| **30%** | Loss of 25 to 50 percent: Replaceable by prosthesis |
| **20%** | Loss of less than 25 percent: **Not** replaceable by prosthesis |
| **0%** | Loss of less than 25 percent: Replaceable by prosthesis |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating maxilla loss, the VA considers the **amount of bone lost** and whether that loss can be corrected with a prosthesis. A greater percentage of loss, and loss that cannot be replaced by a prosthesis, correspond to higher rating levels.

### Diagnostic Imaging

For VA compensation purposes, diagnostic imaging studies may be used to assess the condition. These include, but are not limited to:

- Conventional radiography (X-ray)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Radionuclide bone scanning
- Ultrasonography

### Related Impairments Rated Separately

Loss of the maxilla can affect other functions. Under this diagnostic code, the following are **separately evaluated** under the appropriate diagnostic code and combined under **§ 4.25** for each separately rated condition:

- Loss of vocal articulation
- Loss of smell
- Loss of taste
- Neurological impairment
- Respiratory dysfunction
- Other impairments

---

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn from the VA rating schedule (§ 4.150, Diagnostic Code 9915). Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each case.*

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