Jaw Fracture Residuals

DC 9904Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9904

Ongoing problems from a broken jaw (mandible or maxilla), such as pain, misalignment, or difficulty chewing. The VA rates jaw fracture residuals based on the degree of displacement or malunion of the jaw bones.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition primarily based on range-of-motion measurements. During your C&P exam, the examiner will use a goniometer to measure how far you can move the affected joint. Pain, flare-ups, and repetitive-use limitations also factor into the final rating.

Diagnostic code

DC 9904

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9904. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your jaw fracture healed with severe displacement of the mandible. You have significant misalignment that substantially impairs your ability to chew and causes ongoing pain.

What the VA looks for

Severe displacement of mandible on imaging
Significant malocclusion
Substantial loss of masticatory (chewing) function
Ongoing pain and difficulty eating
Possible need for corrective surgery

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting imaging (X-ray or panoramic radiograph) that clearly shows the displacement — the rating is based on the degree of malunion, which must be documented on imaging.
⚠Not documenting how the jaw fracture affects your ability to eat, speak, and chew — describe specific foods you can no longer eat and how the condition impacts your nutrition.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — jaw fractures commonly cause TMJ disorders, headaches, dental problems, and chronic pain that may warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not connecting the jaw fracture to military service — dental trauma during training, combat, or accidents in service should be documented in service treatment records.
⚠Not requesting a dental C&P exam specifically — jaw fracture residuals require a dental examiner who will measure displacement and loss of masticatory function.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Jaw Fracture Residuals or rated under the same body system.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

DC 9905·Dental/Oral

Loss of Teeth (Due to Bone Loss)

DC 9913·Dental/Oral

Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

DC 9900·Dental/Oral

Nonunion of the Mandible

DC 9903·Dental/Oral

Loss of Hard Palate

DC 9911·Dental/Oral

Partial Loss of Mandible

DC 9902·Dental/Oral

Partial Loss of Maxilla

DC 9901·Dental/Oral

Loss of Soft Palate

DC 9912·Dental/Oral

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9904

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your jaw fracture healed with severe displacement of the mandible. You have significant misalignment that substantially impairs your ability to chew and causes ongoing pain.

What the VA looks for

Severe displacement of mandible on imaging
Significant malocclusion
Substantial loss of masticatory (chewing) function
Ongoing pain and difficulty eating
Possible need for corrective surgery

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting imaging (X-ray or panoramic radiograph) that clearly shows the displacement — the rating is based on the degree of malunion, which must be documented on imaging.

⚠Not documenting how the jaw fracture affects your ability to eat, speak, and chew — describe specific foods you can no longer eat and how the condition impacts your nutrition.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — jaw fractures commonly cause TMJ disorders, headaches, dental problems, and chronic pain that may warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not connecting the jaw fracture to military service — dental trauma during training, combat, or accidents in service should be documented in service treatment records.

⚠Not requesting a dental C&P exam specifically — jaw fracture residuals require a dental examiner who will measure displacement and loss of masticatory function.