Maxillofacial Fracture Residuals

DC 9900Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900

Ongoing problems after a fracture of the upper jaw or midface bones, including the maxilla, zygomatic (cheek), and orbital (eye socket) bones. The VA rates residuals based on how much displacement there is and how it affects chewing, breathing, and facial appearance.

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 9900

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900. 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 fracture residuals are severe, with complete loss of significant jaw or midface bone, requiring major reconstruction, causing severe facial disfigurement, and inability to eat normally.

What the VA looks for

Extensive bone loss documented on imaging
Major reconstructive surgery records
Severe impairment of mastication
Severe facial disfigurement documented with photos
Complete dependency on prosthetic devices for eating

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan to document the current state of fracture healing and displacement — X-rays may not show the full extent of midface fracture residuals.
⚠Not documenting facial nerve damage and numbness — infraorbital and other facial nerve injuries from midface fractures can be rated separately under the neurological rating schedule.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic sinusitis from displaced orbital floor or maxillary fractures, vision problems from orbital fractures, and nasal airway obstruction may each warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not requesting a facial disfigurement evaluation — visible facial asymmetry and scarring from maxillofacial trauma can be rated separately under DC 7800 (burn scars/disfigurement).

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Maxillofacial Fracture Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9900

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your fracture residuals are severe, with complete loss of significant jaw or midface bone, requiring major reconstruction, causing severe facial disfigurement, and inability to eat normally.

What the VA looks for

Extensive bone loss documented on imaging
Major reconstructive surgery records
Severe impairment of mastication
Severe facial disfigurement documented with photos
Complete dependency on prosthetic devices for eating

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a CT scan to document the current state of fracture healing and displacement — X-rays may not show the full extent of midface fracture residuals.

⚠Not documenting facial nerve damage and numbness — infraorbital and other facial nerve injuries from midface fractures can be rated separately under the neurological rating schedule.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic sinusitis from displaced orbital floor or maxillary fractures, vision problems from orbital fractures, and nasal airway obstruction may each warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not requesting a facial disfigurement evaluation — visible facial asymmetry and scarring from maxillofacial trauma can be rated separately under DC 7800 (burn scars/disfigurement).