Chronic Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain

DC 9905Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.150, DC 9905

Chronic pain in the muscles used for chewing, often causing jaw tightness, headaches, and difficulty opening the mouth. This is different from a TMJ joint problem because the pain comes from the muscles, not the joint itself. The VA rates this based on how far you can open your mouth.

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 9905

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.150, DC 9905. 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 muscle pain severely limits your mouth opening to 11mm to 20mm. You have severe difficulty eating most solid foods and chronic debilitating jaw and facial pain.

What the VA looks for

Inter-incisal range 11-20mm
Severe limitation of jaw opening from muscle spasm
Difficulty eating most solid foods
Chronic debilitating facial pain
Failed conservative treatments documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not having your jaw range of motion properly measured in millimeters at the C&P exam — the rating is based on exact inter-incisal range measurements, and muscle pain conditions can cause just as much limitation as joint conditions.
⚠Not distinguishing myofascial pain from TMJ joint disorder — you may be able to claim both if you have both muscle and joint problems, so make sure your provider documents which structures are affected.
⚠Not connecting to service-related stress or PTSD — chronic jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) secondary to PTSD or military stress is a common cause of myofascial pain and supports secondary service connection.
⚠Not documenting headaches as a secondary condition — chronic masticatory muscle tension commonly causes tension-type headaches and migraines that may warrant a separate rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 9905

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your jaw muscle pain severely limits your mouth opening to 11mm to 20mm. You have severe difficulty eating most solid foods and chronic debilitating jaw and facial pain.

What the VA looks for

Inter-incisal range 11-20mm
Severe limitation of jaw opening from muscle spasm
Difficulty eating most solid foods
Chronic debilitating facial pain
Failed conservative treatments documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not having your jaw range of motion properly measured in millimeters at the C&P exam — the rating is based on exact inter-incisal range measurements, and muscle pain conditions can cause just as much limitation as joint conditions.

⚠Not distinguishing myofascial pain from TMJ joint disorder — you may be able to claim both if you have both muscle and joint problems, so make sure your provider documents which structures are affected.

⚠Not connecting to service-related stress or PTSD — chronic jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) secondary to PTSD or military stress is a common cause of myofascial pain and supports secondary service connection.

⚠Not documenting headaches as a secondary condition — chronic masticatory muscle tension commonly causes tension-type headaches and migraines that may warrant a separate rating.