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DC 9905Dental & Oral Conditions38 CFR Part 4, DC 9905

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD/TMJ)

VA disability rating criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD/TMJ) under Diagnostic Code 9905. The VA assigns ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% based on the severity and functional impact of your condition.

Rating Criteria

10%Disability Rating

Temporomandibular disorder: Bilateral or unilateral; limited motion of the mandible (maximum inter-incisal opening between 31–40 mm, or lateral excursion between 6–8 mm); with pain on palpation; clicking or crepitus of the joint; mild interference with chewing.

Note: Normal inter-incisal opening is 40–50 mm. Rate by limitation of motion, pain, and functional impact on mastication.

20%Disability Rating

Temporomandibular disorder: Maximum inter-incisal opening between 21–30 mm; or lateral excursion of 3–5 mm; significant pain on palpation; with moderate interference with chewing and diet modifications required.

30%Disability Rating

Temporomandibular disorder: Maximum inter-incisal opening between 11–20 mm; or lateral excursion of 1–2 mm; significant pain at rest and with movement; substantial interference with chewing requiring soft or liquid diet; with radiographic evidence of joint pathology.

40%Disability Rating

Temporomandibular disorder: Maximum inter-incisal opening of 10 mm or less (severe trismus); or complete or near-complete ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint; inability to chew solid food; marked functional impairment.

50%Disability Rating

With dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods

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