Partial Loss of Mandible

DC 9902Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9902

Loss of part or all of the mandible (lower jaw bone), typically from surgery, trauma, or disease. The VA rates this condition based on how much of the jaw bone is missing, whether it involves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and whether a prosthesis can replace the lost bone.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 9902

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9902. 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

You have lost approximately half of your mandible involving the TMJ and the lost portion cannot be replaced by a prosthesis, or you have lost the entire mandible. This is the maximum rating for mandible loss.

What the VA looks for

Loss of approximately half of mandible with TMJ involvement, not replaceable by prosthesis
Or complete loss of entire mandible
Severe loss of masticatory and speech function
Major facial disfigurement
Imaging confirming total or near-total mandible loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting detailed imaging (CT scan or 3D reconstruction) that clearly shows the extent of mandible loss and whether the TMJ is involved — standard X-rays may not capture the full picture.
⚠Not documenting why a prosthesis will not work — if a prosthetic jaw reconstruction has been tried and failed, or is not medically feasible, this needs to be clearly stated by your surgeon.
⚠Not filing for all related secondary conditions — mandible loss commonly causes severe TMJ problems, chronic pain, nutritional deficiencies, speech problems, and mental health conditions like depression that may each warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not applying for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — significant mandible loss causing facial disfigurement or loss of use of a body part may qualify you for additional SMC benefits beyond the schedular rating.
⚠Not documenting how the condition affects your daily life — describe how it impacts eating, speaking, breathing, social interactions, and employment to ensure the VA understands the full extent of your disability.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Partial Loss of Mandible 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

Jaw Fracture Residuals

DC 9904·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 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…

Partial Loss of Mandible

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9902

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Loss of approximately half of mandible with TMJ involvement, not replaceable by prosthesis
Or complete loss of entire mandible
Severe loss of masticatory and speech function
Major facial disfigurement
Imaging confirming total or near-total mandible loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting detailed imaging (CT scan or 3D reconstruction) that clearly shows the extent of mandible loss and whether the TMJ is involved — standard X-rays may not capture the full picture.

⚠Not documenting why a prosthesis will not work — if a prosthetic jaw reconstruction has been tried and failed, or is not medically feasible, this needs to be clearly stated by your surgeon.

⚠Not filing for all related secondary conditions — mandible loss commonly causes severe TMJ problems, chronic pain, nutritional deficiencies, speech problems, and mental health conditions like depression that may each warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not applying for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — significant mandible loss causing facial disfigurement or loss of use of a body part may qualify you for additional SMC benefits beyond the schedular rating.

⚠Not documenting how the condition affects your daily life — describe how it impacts eating, speaking, breathing, social interactions, and employment to ensure the VA understands the full extent of your disability.