TMJ VA Disability Ratings

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) affects millions of Americans. Estimates range from 5% to 12% of the U.S. population. TMJ has many possible causes, and the severity of symptoms can vary significantly. Here’s what veterans need to know about VA disability ratings for service-connected TMJ.

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About TMJ

The temporomandibular joint is a hinged mechanism that connects the jawbone to the skull. When this hinge is out of alignment, you may suffer jaw pain, difficulty chewing, locking of the jaw, headaches and other symptoms. Some common causes of TMJ disorders include:

Trauma to the jaw
Deterioration due to arthritis
Connective tissue disorders
Long-term grinding of teeth

Since physical injury, arthritis, and mental health disorders like PTSD (which are tied to teeth grinding) may all be service-connected, it’s probably no surprise that veterans suffer from TMJ disorders at a higher rate than the general population.

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How the VA Rates TMJ

VA disability ratings for TMJ are assigned under diagnostic code 9905. The possible ratings for TMJ alone are 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%.

A 10% disability rating is assigned:
- With a lateral excursion range of motion of 0 to 4 mm, or
- 30 to 34 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening without dietary restriction to mechanically altered foods
A 20% disability rating is assigned:
- With 21 to 29 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening without dietary restriction to mechanically altered foods, or
- With 30 to 34 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening with restriction to soft and semi-solid foods
A 30% disability rating is assigned:
- With 11 to 20 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening without dietary restriction to mechanically altered foods, or
- With 21 to 29 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening with restriction to soft and semi-solid foods, and
- With 30 to 34 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening with restriction to full liquid and pureed foods
A 40% disability rating is assigned:
- With 0 to 10 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening without dietary restriction to mechanically altered food, and
- With 11 to 20 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening with restriction to all mechanically altered foods
- With 21 to 29 mm maximum unassisted vertical opening with dietary restriction to full liquid and pureed foods
A 50% rating is assigned with 0 to 10 mm unassisted vertical opening with restriction to all mechanically altered foods

Note that if the TMJ is secondary to another service-connected condition or the veteran suffers from a separate service-connected condition, disability ratings for the two or more conditions will be combined. This may result in a VA disability rating that is higher than the top rating for TMJ alone.

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Disabled Vets is Here to Help

Our experienced VA disability benefits advocates have extensive experience of the VA disability claims process. To learn more about how we can help you submit the strongest possible claim or appeal, call 888-373-4722 or contact us here today.

Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form