Claiming Loss of Coronoid Process?
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VA Rating Tiers
40%
severe opening
20%
moderate opening
10%
mild opening
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›40%: Loss of coronoid process with marked limitation of jaw opening (interincisal distance 10–20 mm). DC 9909.
- ›20%: Moderate jaw opening limitation following coronoid process loss (21–30 mm). DC 9909.
- ›10%: Mild jaw opening limitation (31–40 mm). DC 9909.
- ›0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 9909: Loss of coronoid process — rated on functional limitations (jaw opening).
- ›Isolated coronoid loss is typically 0% unless jaw opening is significantly limited.
- ›If jaw opening limitation is present, rating follows the same interincisal distance scale as DC 9905.
- ›Consider filing both DC 9909 and DC 9905 (jaw limited opening) if jaw opening is significantly restricted.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 9909 — loss of coronoid process; rated on functional limitations.
- •The coronoid process is the forward projection of the lower jaw where the temporalis muscle attaches.
- •Isolated coronoid loss typically causes limited jaw opening — rated by functional limitation.
- •Usually non-compensable (0%) unless functional limitation is present.
- •If jaw opening is significantly limited, file jointly with Jaw Limited Opening (DC 9905).
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •records of jaw or facial trauma during service
- •records of jaw surgery (coronoidectomy) during or after service
Medical Evidence
- •oral surgery or maxillofacial surgery operative reports
- •imaging (CT, panoramic X-ray) documenting loss of coronoid process
- •oral medicine evaluation documenting jaw opening limitation
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing in-service jaw injury
- •statement noting jaw stiffness or limited opening since service
Diagnostic Tests
- •panoramic X-ray or CT scan of mandible
- •jaw opening measurement (interincisal distance)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Oral Medicine / Maxillofacial Surgery — Coronoid Process
Be ready to describe
- •how the coronoid process was lost (injury or surgery)
- •current jaw opening limitation
- •functional impact — eating, speaking
Prep notes
- •Bring imaging and operative reports.
- •If jaw opening is limited, describe exactly how far you can open your mouth.
- •Describe worst-day symptoms.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 9909
- Category
- Dental / Oral
- Subcategory
- Jaw / Mandible
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 40%
Also Known As
coronoid process lossloss of coronoid processcoronoid process removalcoronoid mandible loss
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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