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Loss of Maxilla or Mandible
DC 9901 | 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9901-9902, 9914-9915 |
Loss of Maxilla or Mandible is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 9901 of 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9901-9902, 9914-9915 across 8 severity tiers (100% / 70% / 50% / 40% / 30%…). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Loss of part or all of the upper jaw (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible). Can result from combat trauma, blast injury, surgical resection for cancer, or severe infection. Causes significant functional impairment in eating, speaking, and facial appearance.
RATING CRITERIA (8 LEVELS)
100%
DC 9901 — "Mandible, loss of, complete, between angles" = 100%. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9901.) Complete loss of mandibular body from angle to angle, regardless of prosthetic replaceability. OR — DC 9914 "Maxilla, loss of more than half, not replaceable by prosthesis" = 100% (verbatim § 4.150 DC 9914).
70%
DC 9902 — "Mandible, loss of, including ramus, unilaterally or bilaterally: Loss of one-half or more, Involving temporomandibular articulation, Not replaceable by prosthesis" = 70%; OR "Loss of less than one-half, Involving temporomandibular articulation, Not replaceable by prosthesis" = 70%. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9902.)
50%
DC 9902 — "Loss of one-half or more, Involving temporomandibular articulation, Replaceable by prosthesis" = 50%; OR "Loss of less than one-half, Involving temporomandibular articulation, Replaceable by prosthesis" = 50%. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9902.) OR — DC 9914 "Maxilla, loss of more than half, Replaceable by prosthesis" = 50%.
40%
DC 9902 — "Loss of one-half or more, Not involving temporomandibular articulation, Not replaceable by prosthesis" = 40%. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9902.) OR — DC 9915 "Maxilla, loss of 25 to 50 percent, Not replaceable by prosthesis" = 40% (verbatim § 4.150 DC 9915).
30%
DC 9902 — "Loss of one-half or more, Not involving temporomandibular articulation, Replaceable by prosthesis" = 30%. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9902.) OR — DC 9915 "Maxilla, loss of 25 to 50 percent, Replaceable by prosthesis" = 30%.
20%
DC 9902 — "Loss of less than one-half, Not involving temporomandibular articulation, Not replaceable by prosthesis" = 20%. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9902.) OR — DC 9915 "Maxilla, loss of less than 25 percent, Not replaceable by prosthesis" = 20%.
10%
DC 9902 — "Loss of less than one-half, Not involving temporomandibular articulation, Replaceable by prosthesis" = 10%. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9902.)
0%
DC 9915 — "Maxilla, loss of less than 25 percent, Replaceable by prosthesis" = 0%. (Verbatim § 4.150 DC 9915.)
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026