Claiming Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)?
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VA Rating Tiers
50%
jaw ankylosis
40%
limited opening severe
30%
limited opening thirty pct
20%
limited opening moderate
10%
Meets minimum criteria
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›50%: Interincisal distance (jaw opening) of 10 mm or less. DC 9905.
- ›40%: Interincisal distance 11–20 mm. DC 9905.
- ›30%: Interincisal distance 21–30 mm. DC 9905.
- ›20%: Interincisal distance 31–35 mm. DC 9905.
- ›10%: Interincisal distance 36–40 mm with evidence of pain on movement. DC 9905.
- ›0%: Jaw opening above 40 mm — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 9905: Rated on interincisal distance (jaw opening in mm) and pain. Valid VA percentages: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50.
- ›10%: Painful limited motion — any jaw pain with reduced ROM.
- ›20%: Limited jaw opening to ≤ 31mm between incisal edges.
- ›30%: Limited jaw opening to ≤ 21mm between incisal edges (requires clinical measurement).
- ›40%: Limited jaw opening to ≤ 11mm between incisal edges or severe trismus.
- ›50%: Jaw immobility / ankylosis (requires clinical measurement — not estimable from this questionnaire).
- ›Secondary to PTSD pathway is well-established — a dental nexus letter strongly supports this claim.
- ›Bruxism alone may not be ratable, but TMJ resulting from bruxism is.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •TMJ can be direct (trauma to jaw during service) or secondary (bruxism/stress from PTSD, anxiety).
- •A nexus letter from a dentist or oral medicine specialist is strongly recommended for secondary claims.
- •VA rates TMJ under DC 9905 based on painful limited motion of the mandible.
- •Bruxism caused by PTSD is a well-recognized pathway — document the connection explicitly.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •dental records showing bruxism or jaw complaints during service
- •sick call records for jaw or facial pain
- •records of head or facial trauma during service
Medical Evidence
- •dental or oral medicine records documenting TMJ diagnosis
- •imaging (MRI or X-ray of jaw joint)
- •primary care notes mentioning jaw pain or TMJ
- •sleep study if bruxism is documented
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing jaw pain onset during or after service
- •buddy statement noting teeth grinding or jaw discomfort
- •statement connecting PTSD-related stress to bruxism and TMJ
Diagnostic Tests
- •MRI of temporomandibular joint
- •panoramic dental X-ray
- •oral medicine or maxillofacial evaluation
- •measurement of jaw opening range (in millimeters)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Dental / Oral Medicine
Be ready to describe
- •when symptoms began and what triggered them
- •how far you can open your mouth
- •whether you grind your teeth (especially at night)
- •connection to PTSD, stress, or a service injury
- •all treatments tried and current management
Prep notes
- •Bring dental records and any imaging (MRI, X-rays) of the jaw.
- •If secondary to PTSD, bring documentation of your PTSD claim or rating.
- •A nexus letter from a dentist or oral medicine specialist significantly helps secondary claims.
- •Do not downplay pain — describe your worst typical day, not just a good day.
- •Mention if you wear a night guard, as this documents the bruxism/TMJ issue.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 9905
- Category
- Musculoskeletal
- Subcategory
- Oral/Facial
- Typical Claim Type
- secondary
- Rating Range
- 0% – 50%
Also Known As
TMJTMDjaw paintemporomandibular disorderjaw clickingjaw lockingjaw joint pain
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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