Diagnostic Code 9908 · 38 CFR §4.150
The condyloid process is the rounded knob at the top of the mandible (lower jaw) that fits into the socket of your skull to form the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is essentially the ball in the ball-and-socket joint that allows your jaw to open, close, and move side to side. Loss of one or both condyloid processes — whether from combat trauma, blast injuries, surgical removal due to tumors, or severe fractures — directly destroys the jaw joint mechanism. This results in significant difficulty opening your mouth, severe chewing impairment, and often chronic pain. Because the condyloid process is so critical to jaw function, the VA assigns a flat 30% rating for its loss regardless of whether one or both sides are affected.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Loss of the condyloid process on one or both sides. This is a flat 30% rating — there is no distinction between unilateral and bilateral loss under this code. The rating reflects the direct impact on TMJ function caused by losing the bony component that forms the jaw joint. |
Imaging studies (CT scan is ideal) showing the absence of the condyloid process on one or both sides are essential. Surgical records documenting when and why the condyloid process was lost — combat injury, tumor removal, or fracture complication — are needed. Service treatment records establishing the in-service cause are required. A functional evaluation from an oral surgeon documenting the impact on jaw opening and chewing is helpful for any secondary claims.
No. Under the current rating schedule, DC 9908 assigns a flat 30% rating for loss of the condyloid process regardless of whether one or both sides are affected. However, bilateral loss will likely cause more functional impairment, which could support higher ratings under related codes like DC 9905 for TMD.
Potentially yes. DC 9908 rates the structural bone loss of the condyloid process, while DC 9905 rates the functional limitation of jaw opening and movement. If you have measurable jaw opening limitation in addition to the bone loss, both should be documented and claimed.