Claiming Mandible Nonunion?
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VA Rating Tiers
30%
with false motion
10%
without false motion
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›30%: Mandibular nonunion — mobile fragments with significant functional limitation of chewing or speech. DC 9903.
- ›10%: Mandibular nonunion — mild functional impairment with some malocclusion or instability. DC 9903.
- ›0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 9903: Mandibular nonunion.
- ›30%: Nonunion with false motion (pseudarthrosis — abnormal movement at fracture site).
- ›10%: Nonunion without false motion.
- ›If complicated by active osteomyelitis, file a separate claim for DC 9900.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 9903 — mandibular nonunion, rated at 30% with false motion (pseudarthrosis).
- •A nonunion means the broken jaw bone never fully healed into solid bone.
- •Service connection requires evidence of the in-service jaw fracture.
- •If complicated by active infection or osteomyelitis, additional ratings may apply.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •records documenting jaw fracture during service
- •treatment records for jaw fracture — splinting, fixation, surgery
Medical Evidence
- •imaging (X-ray or CT) showing nonunion or fibrous union of mandible
- •oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon records documenting nonunion
- •records of any corrective surgery attempted
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing jaw injury during service and ongoing jaw instability
- •buddy statement confirming in-service jaw injury
Diagnostic Tests
- •panoramic X-ray of mandible
- •CT scan of mandible
- •oral surgery evaluation for jaw stability
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Oral Medicine / Maxillofacial Surgery — Mandible Nonunion
Be ready to describe
- •when and how the fracture occurred during service
- •whether there is any abnormal movement at the fracture site
- •current pain and functional limitations
- •all treatments received
Prep notes
- •Bring service records documenting the jaw fracture.
- •Bring imaging (X-ray, CT scan) showing the nonunion.
- •If there is false motion, describe it clearly to the examiner.
- •Describe your worst-day symptoms.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 9903
- Category
- Dental / Oral
- Subcategory
- Jaw / Mandible
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 30%
Also Known As
mandible nonunionjaw nonunionjaw fracture nonunionmandibular nonunionfalse joint jawfibrous union jaw
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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