🦷 Dental / OralJaw / MandibleDC 9904

Mandible Malunion

A healed jaw fracture that did not align properly, resulting in jaw malalignment, bite problems, or functional impairment. Rated under DC 9904 based on severity of functional limitation.

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VA Rating Tiers

40%
severe malunion
20%
moderate malunion
10%
mild malunion
0%
Meets minimum criteria

Rating Notes

  • 40%: Mandibular malunion — significant malocclusion or deformity causing marked chewing or speech impairment. DC 9904.
  • 20%: Moderate mandibular malunion — malocclusion or deformity with some functional limitation. DC 9904.
  • 10%: Mild mandibular malunion — minor deformity with minimal functional impact. DC 9904.
  • 0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
  • DC 9904: Mandibular malunion.
  • Rated 10–40% based on severity of malalignment and functional limitation.
  • Clinical assessment of bite alignment and jaw function drives the rating.
  • If jaw did not heal at all (nonunion), file under Mandible Nonunion (DC 9903) instead.

Eligibility Basics

Current symptoms
In-service event
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • DC 9904 — mandibular malunion, rated 10–40% based on functional limitation.
  • Malunion means the fractured jaw healed but in a misaligned position.
  • This typically causes bite problems, jaw pain, limited motion, or cosmetic deformity.
  • Service connection requires evidence of the in-service jaw fracture.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • records documenting jaw fracture during service
  • treatment records — splinting, wiring, surgery for jaw fracture

Medical Evidence

  • imaging (X-ray or CT) showing healed but misaligned mandible
  • oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon documentation of malunion
  • dental records showing bite or occlusion problems

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • personal statement describing jaw injury during service and current jaw misalignment
  • statement from spouse or family noting bite change or jaw appearance

Diagnostic Tests

  • panoramic X-ray
  • CT scan of mandible
  • dental occlusion/bite assessment
  • oral surgery evaluation

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Oral Medicine / Maxillofacial Surgery — Mandible Malunion

Be ready to describe

  • when and how the jaw fracture occurred during service
  • how the jaw healed — did teeth come together correctly after healing?
  • current bite problems, pain, and eating difficulty
  • any corrective treatments attempted

Prep notes

  • Bring service records documenting the jaw fracture.
  • Bring imaging (X-ray, CT) showing the healed jaw.
  • Show the examiner your bite — do your teeth come together properly?
  • Describe worst-day symptoms including pain and eating difficulty.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 9904
Category
Dental / Oral
Subcategory
Jaw / Mandible
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 40%

Also Known As

mandible malunionjaw malunionjaw fracture healed badlymandibular malunionjaw malalignmentjaw healed crooked

Related Conditions

Commonly leads to

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