EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) VA Disability Rating
DC 9905 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.150 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.5
OVERVIEW
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) is rated under DC 9905 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.150 based on limitation of inter-incisal range of motion (how far you can open your mouth) and lateral excursion (side-to-side jaw movement). TMJ is common among veterans who experienced blast exposure (IED, artillery), dental trauma, or sustained clenching/grinding from stress and PTSD. TMJ can also be secondary to PTSD (bruxism from hyperarousal) or TBI (blast-related jaw damage).
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
40% -- Inter-incisal range 0-10mm
Cannot open mouth more than 10 millimeters between upper and lower front teeth.
30% -- Inter-incisal range 11-20mm
Mouth opening limited to 11-20 millimeters.
20% -- Inter-incisal range 21-30mm
Mouth opening limited to 21-30 millimeters.
10% -- Inter-incisal range 31-40mm OR lateral excursion 0-4mm
Mouth opening 31-40mm, OR lateral jaw movement limited to 0-4 millimeters.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Dental records documenting TMJ diagnosis, jaw clicking, or limited opening
-Service records showing blast exposure, dental trauma, or jaw injury
-Documentation of bruxism (teeth grinding) linked to PTSD or stress
-X-ray or MRI showing TMJ disc displacement, arthritis, or structural damage
-Dental guard or night guard prescription history
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 8100
TMJ dysfunction is a well-documented trigger for chronic headaches and migraines.
DC 6260
TMJ can cause or worsen tinnitus through shared nerve pathways and muscle tension affecting the ear.
DC 9434/9413
Chronic jaw pain, difficulty eating, and facial pain cause psychological conditions.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The examiner measures inter-incisal distance in millimeters. Do NOT force your jaw open wider than comfortable.
2.Report clicking, popping, locking, and pain with chewing. These support the diagnosis even if ROM is near normal.
3.If your TMJ is secondary to PTSD (grinding teeth from stress/nightmares), document the bruxism connection.
4.If blast-exposed, TMJ may also be secondary to TBI. Document any blast exposure history.
DOLLAR IMPACT
TMJ at 20% ($345/mo) plus secondary migraines at 30-50% plus tinnitus at 10% can produce a combined rating of 50-60%. TMJ secondary to PTSD is a commonly missed secondary claim.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026