Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
The VA rates Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) under Diagnostic Code 9905 across 5 severity levels, from 10% to 50%. The 50% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 9905 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 50%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.150
- Body system
- Dental & Oral Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods Note: Normal inter-incisal opening is 40–50 mm. Rate by limitation of motion, pain, and functional impact on mastication. |
| 20% | Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods |
| 30% | Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods |
| 40% | Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods |
| 50% | With dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods |
“Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods”
Common Questions About Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?
The VA rates Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) under Diagnostic Code 9905 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods. The maximum 50% rating requires: With dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?
The VA rates Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 9905, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.150. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 50% rating for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?
A 10% rating requires: Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods. A 50% rating requires: With dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) maxes at 50%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?
The key evidence for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?
The C&P examiner uses a Dental & Oral Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 9905 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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