Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
DC 9905 §4.150 Other ICD-10: M26.62 Direct
10% for any pain on jaw motion or limited lateral excursion.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Inter-incisal range of 0-10 mm; restricted to mechanically altered foods |
| 40% | Inter-incisal range of 11-20 mm; restricted to mechanically altered foods |
| 30% | Inter-incisal range of 21-29 mm; restricted to soft and semi-solid foods only |
| 20% | Inter-incisal range of 30-34 mm; restricted to soft and semi-solid foods only |
| 10% | Inter-incisal range of 35-40 mm with pain on motion, or; range of lateral excursion 0-4 mm |
Filing this claim
This is typically filed as a direct service connection claim. You need a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service event or exposure, and a nexus letter linking them. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.150. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.