What are the VA rating percentages for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (DC 9905) is rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905. Inter-incisal range of 31-40mm; or, lateral excursion of 0-4mm.

What rates 10% for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 10% rating for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder requires: Inter-incisal range of 31-40mm; or, lateral excursion of 0-4mm.

What rates 20% for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 20% rating for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder requires: Inter-incisal range of 21-30mm.

What rates 30% for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 30% rating for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder requires: Inter-incisal range of 11-20mm.

What rates 40% for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905?

Under 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 (DC 9905), a 40% rating for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder requires: Inter-incisal range of 0-10mm.

What happens during a C&P exam for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Q: What evidence do I need for a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder VA claim?

Key evidence for a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder claim includes: 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. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 9905 | 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 | 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 9905 of 38 CFR § 4.150, DC 9905 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 30% / 40%). 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

Disorder of the temporomandibular joint causing jaw pain, clicking, locking, and limited mouth opening. Common in veterans from clenching/grinding (bruxism related to PTSD), facial trauma, or dental procedures during service.

RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)

10%

Inter-incisal range of 31-40mm; or, lateral excursion of 0-4mm.

20%

Inter-incisal range of 21-30mm.

30%

Inter-incisal range of 11-20mm.

40%

Inter-incisal range of 0-10mm.

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.

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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.

→ View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR → Editorial Standards → Suggest a correction

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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