Nonunion of the Mandible

DC 9903Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9903

A condition where a broken jaw bone (mandible) fails to heal properly and the fracture never fully joins back together. This creates abnormal movement between the bone segments and is rated based on how much the abnormal mobility affects your ability to chew and use your jaw.

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 9903

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9903. 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 severe abnormal movement of the mandible segments. There is marked mobility at the fracture site, causing significant loss of chewing function and pain when using your jaw.

What the VA looks for

Marked abnormal movement of mandible segments
Significant loss of masticatory (chewing) function
Pain on routine jaw use
Difficulty eating most solid foods
May require liquid or soft diet

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting imaging (X-ray, CT, or panoramic radiograph) that clearly shows the nonunion — the VA needs to see that the fracture has failed to heal and the bone segments remain separated.
⚠Not having the examiner document the degree of abnormal mobility at the fracture site — the rating depends on whether the movement is slight, moderate, or severe.
⚠Not describing how the nonunion affects your daily eating and nutrition — keep a log of foods you cannot eat and any weight changes due to difficulty chewing.
⚠Not connecting the nonunion to military service — jaw fractures from training accidents, combat injuries, or dental procedures during service should be clearly documented.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — mandible nonunion can cause TMJ problems, chronic pain, dental issues, and nutritional problems that may each warrant a separate rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Nonunion of the 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

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…

Nonunion of the Mandible

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9903

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe abnormal movement of the mandible segments. There is marked mobility at the fracture site, causing significant loss of chewing function and pain when using your jaw.

What the VA looks for

Marked abnormal movement of mandible segments
Significant loss of masticatory (chewing) function
Pain on routine jaw use
Difficulty eating most solid foods
May require liquid or soft diet

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting imaging (X-ray, CT, or panoramic radiograph) that clearly shows the nonunion — the VA needs to see that the fracture has failed to heal and the bone segments remain separated.

⚠Not having the examiner document the degree of abnormal mobility at the fracture site — the rating depends on whether the movement is slight, moderate, or severe.

⚠Not describing how the nonunion affects your daily eating and nutrition — keep a log of foods you cannot eat and any weight changes due to difficulty chewing.

⚠Not connecting the nonunion to military service — jaw fractures from training accidents, combat injuries, or dental procedures during service should be clearly documented.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — mandible nonunion can cause TMJ problems, chronic pain, dental issues, and nutritional problems that may each warrant a separate rating.