Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

100%

DC 5000 (via DC 9900 rate-as) — "Of the pelvis, vertebrae, or extending into major joints, or with multiple localization or with long history of intractability and debility, anemia, amyloid liver changes, or other continuous constitutional symptoms" = 100%. (Verbatim § 4.71a DC 5000.) Rarely reached for isolated jaw osteomyelitis but applicable where intractable mandibular/maxillary disease has caused constitutional debility, anemia, or amyloid liver changes — document objectively.

60%

DC 5000 (via DC 9900 rate-as) — "Frequent episodes, with constitutional symptoms" = 60%. (Verbatim § 4.71a DC 5000.) Frequent flares of jaw osteomyelitis with documented constitutional involvement (fever, weight loss, anemia, fatigue). NOTE: Per § 4.71a DC 5000 Note 1, "The 60 percent rating, as it is based on constitutional symptoms, is not subject to the amputation rule."

30%

DC 5000 (via DC 9900 rate-as) — "With definite involucrum or sequestrum, with or without discharging sinus" = 30%. (Verbatim § 4.71a DC 5000.) Active osteomyelitis with imaging-confirmed involucrum (new bone formation surrounding necrotic core) or sequestrum (dead bone fragment).

20%

DC 5000 (via DC 9900 rate-as) — "With discharging sinus or other evidence of active infection within the past 5 years" = 20%. (Verbatim § 4.71a DC 5000.) Per Note 2: "The 20 percent rating on the basis of activity within the past 5 years is not assignable following the initial infection of active osteomyelitis with no subsequent reactivation. The prerequisite for this historical rating is an established recurrent osteomyelitis."

10%

DC 5000 (via DC 9900 rate-as) — "Inactive, following repeated episodes, without evidence of active infection in past 5 years" = 10%. (Verbatim § 4.71a DC 5000.) Per Note 2: "To qualify for the 10 percent rating, 2 or more episodes following the initial infection are required." Per Note 1: "This 10 percent rating and the other partial ratings of 30 percent or less are to be combined with ratings for ankylosis, limited motion, nonunion or malunion, shortening, etc., subject, of course, to the amputation rule."