Claiming Jaw Lateral Excursion Limitation?
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VA Rating Tiers
20%
severe lateral
10%
Meets minimum criteria
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›20%: Lateral excursion limited to 0–6 mm — marked restriction of lateral jaw movement. DC 9905.
- ›10%: Lateral excursion limited to 7–10 mm — moderate restriction. DC 9905.
- ›0%: Lateral excursion above 10 mm — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 9905 — rated alongside jaw opening limitation.
- ›Lateral excursion limitation is measured in mm at C&P exam.
- ›Normal lateral excursion is 8–12mm per side.
- ›Often rated together with jaw opening limitation — combined functional picture matters.
- ›If you also have jaw limited opening, file both conditions — they may be rated together under DC 9905.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Rated under DC 9905 — same code as TMJ disorder and jaw limited opening.
- •Lateral excursion limitation means difficulty moving the jaw sideways.
- •Normal lateral excursion is approximately 8–12mm to each side.
- •VA rates lateral excursion limitation as part of the overall jaw motion assessment.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call or dental records showing jaw injury or complaint during service
- •records of head, face, or jaw trauma during service
Medical Evidence
- •dental or oral medicine records documenting lateral jaw movement limitation
- •oral medicine evaluation with measurement of lateral excursion
- •imaging (MRI or panoramic X-ray of jaw joint)
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing difficulty moving jaw side to side
- •statement noting chewing difficulty or jaw stiffness
Diagnostic Tests
- •measurement of lateral excursion (mm) by dental provider
- •MRI of temporomandibular joint
- •panoramic dental X-ray
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Dental / Oral Medicine — Jaw Range of Motion
Be ready to describe
- •difficulty moving jaw side to side — when chewing or otherwise
- •pain level during lateral motion
- •in-service cause of jaw problem
- •any treatments tried
Prep notes
- •The examiner will measure side-to-side jaw movement — do not force it beyond your comfortable limit.
- •Also report any difficulty opening your mouth fully.
- •Describe your worst-day symptoms.
- •Bring any dental or jaw imaging if available.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 9905
- Category
- Dental / Oral
- Subcategory
- Jaw / TMJ
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 20%
Also Known As
jaw lateral excursionlateral jaw movementjaw side-to-side limitationlateral mandibular movementjaw lateral movement problemjaw won't move sideways
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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