🦷 Dental / OralJaw / MaxillaDC 9916

Maxilla Malunion

A healed maxilla (upper jaw) fracture that did not align properly, causing bite problems, facial deformity, or functional impairment. Rated under DC 9916.

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VA Rating Tiers

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

Rating Notes

  • ›40%: Maxillary malunion — significant malocclusion or deformity causing marked functional impairment. DC 9916.
  • ›20%: Moderate maxillary malunion — malocclusion or deformity with some functional limitation. DC 9916.
  • ›10%: Mild maxillary malunion — minor deformity with minimal functional impact. DC 9916.
  • ›0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
  • ›DC 9916: Maxilla malunion/nonunion — rated similarly to mandibular malunion (DC 9904).
  • ›Rated 10–40% based on severity of malalignment and functional limitation.
  • ›If the maxilla fracture did not heal at all (nonunion), see Maxilla Nonunion (also DC 9916).

Eligibility Basics

✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • •DC 9916 — maxilla malunion or nonunion, rated similarly to mandibular conditions.
  • •Malunion means the upper jaw healed in a misaligned position.
  • •Causes bite (occlusion) problems, facial asymmetry, or functional limitations.
  • •Service connection requires evidence of the in-service maxilla fracture.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • •records of facial or maxillary fracture during service
  • •treatment records for upper jaw injury — splinting, surgery

Medical Evidence

  • •imaging (CT or X-ray) showing healed but misaligned maxilla
  • •maxillofacial surgeon records documenting malunion
  • •dental records showing bite or occlusion problems

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • •personal statement describing the in-service facial injury
  • •statement noting bite change or facial asymmetry after service

Diagnostic Tests

  • •CT scan of maxilla / facial bones
  • •panoramic X-ray
  • •dental bite / occlusion assessment

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Oral Medicine / Maxillofacial Surgery — Maxilla Malunion

Be ready to describe

  • •when and how the fracture occurred during service
  • •how the jaw healed — bite problems, facial asymmetry
  • •current functional limitations
  • •any corrective treatments attempted

Prep notes

  • •Bring service records documenting the maxilla fracture.
  • •Bring imaging (CT, panoramic X-ray) showing the healed but misaligned jaw.
  • •Show the examiner how your teeth come together.
  • •Describe worst-day symptoms.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 9916
Category
Dental / Oral
Subcategory
Jaw / Maxilla
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 40%

Also Known As

maxilla malunionupper jaw malunionmaxillary fracture healed wrongupper jaw malalignmentmaxillary malunion

Related Conditions

Commonly leads to

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