🦷 Dental / OralJaw / MaxillaDC 9916

Maxilla Nonunion

Failure of a fractured maxilla (upper jawbone) to heal, leaving a fibrous union or pseudarthrosis. Rated under DC 9916 alongside maxilla malunion.

Claiming Maxilla Nonunion?

Create a free account to organize your evidence and download your conditions summary.

Start Free →

VA Rating Tiers

30%
with false motion
10%
without false motion
0%
Meets minimum criteria

Rating Notes

  • 30%: Maxillary nonunion — mobile fragments with significant functional limitation of chewing or speech. DC 9916.
  • 10%: Maxillary nonunion — mild functional impairment with some malocclusion. DC 9916.
  • 0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
  • DC 9916: Maxilla malunion/nonunion.
  • Rated similarly to mandibular nonunion (DC 9903).
  • 30%: Nonunion with false motion (pseudarthrosis).
  • 10%: Nonunion without false motion.

Eligibility Basics

Current symptoms
In-service event
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • DC 9916 — maxilla malunion/nonunion, rated based on functional limitation.
  • Nonunion means the fractured upper jaw never fused into solid bone.
  • Service connection requires evidence of the in-service maxilla fracture.
  • Rated similarly to mandibular nonunion — assess for false motion and functional impairment.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • records documenting maxilla fracture during service
  • treatment records for upper jaw fracture

Medical Evidence

  • imaging (CT or X-ray) showing nonunion of maxilla
  • oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon records documenting nonunion

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • personal statement describing jaw fracture during service and ongoing instability
  • buddy statement confirming in-service injury

Diagnostic Tests

  • CT scan of maxilla
  • panoramic X-ray
  • oral surgery evaluation for jaw stability

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Oral Medicine / Maxillofacial Surgery — Maxilla Nonunion

Be ready to describe

  • when and how the upper jaw fracture occurred
  • whether there is any abnormal movement at the fracture site
  • current pain and functional limitations

Prep notes

  • Bring service records documenting the maxilla fracture.
  • Bring imaging showing the nonunion.
  • Describe any abnormal jaw movement to the examiner.
  • Describe worst-day symptoms.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 9916
Category
Dental / Oral
Subcategory
Jaw / Maxilla
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 30%

Also Known As

maxilla nonunionupper jaw nonunionmaxillary fracture not healedmaxillary nonunionupper jaw false joint

Related Conditions

Commonly leads to

📋

Organize your claim

Add Maxilla Nonunion to your claim and answer guided questions to build your evidence package.

Get Started Free