🦷 Dental / OralJaw / MandibleDC 9908

Loss of Condyloid Process

Loss of the condyloid process (the rounded head of the lower jaw that forms the temporomandibular joint), typically from trauma, tumor surgery, or severe joint disease. Rated at 40% per side under DC 9908.

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VA Rating Tiers

40%
unilateral loss
40%
bilateral loss
0%
Meets minimum criteria

Rating Notes

  • 40%: Loss of condyloid process — 40% per side (unilateral or bilateral). DC 9908.
  • 0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
  • DC 9908: Loss of condyloid process — 40% per side.
  • Bilateral loss: each side rated at 40% and combined via VA combined ratings table.
  • Combined bilateral result is approximately 64% before rounding.
  • Additional ratings may apply if TMJ or jaw opening is also significantly limited.

Eligibility Basics

Current symptoms
In-service event
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • DC 9908 — loss of condyloid process, rated at 40% per side.
  • The condyloid process is the rounded portion of the lower jaw that connects to the skull at the TMJ.
  • Loss is typically caused by combat trauma, tumor resection, or condylar ankylosis surgery.
  • Service connection may be direct (trauma) or secondary to a service-connected malignancy.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • records of jaw or facial trauma during service
  • records of jaw surgery during or after service

Medical Evidence

  • oral surgery or maxillofacial surgery operative reports
  • imaging (CT, panoramic X-ray) documenting loss of condyloid process
  • TMJ or oral surgery evaluation notes

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • personal statement describing in-service jaw injury or surgery
  • buddy statement confirming injury during service

Diagnostic Tests

  • CT scan of temporomandibular joint
  • panoramic X-ray
  • oral surgery operative report

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Oral Medicine / Maxillofacial Surgery — Condyloid Process

Be ready to describe

  • which side is affected and what caused the loss
  • when the condyle was lost or removed
  • current jaw function — opening, side-to-side movement, chewing
  • any prosthetics or reconstruction

Prep notes

  • Bring imaging showing the condyloid process loss.
  • Bring operative reports and any prosthetic records.
  • Note which side(s) are affected.
  • Describe worst-day jaw symptoms.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 9908
Category
Dental / Oral
Subcategory
Jaw / Mandible
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 40%

Also Known As

condyloid process lossloss of condyloid processcondylar process lossjaw condyle lossTMJ condyle losscondyle removal

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