Loss of Condyloid Process — VA Disability Rating (DC 9908)
Diagnostic Code 9908 · 38 CFR §4.150
What Is It?
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
| 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. |
Evidence Needed
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.
C&P Exam Tips
The examiner will review imaging to confirm the loss of the condyloid process and assess jaw function. Describe all functional limitations: restricted jaw opening, difficulty chewing, pain with jaw movement, clicking or deviation of the jaw. If you also have limited jaw opening that would qualify under TMD (DC 9905), make sure the examiner measures your inter-incisal range and documents dietary restrictions, as you may qualify for additional ratings for those functional limitations.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with DC 9908. Submit CT scans or X-rays showing the bone loss, surgical records, and service treatment records. If the condyloid process loss also causes limited jaw opening or TMD symptoms, consider filing those under DC 9905 as well — the conditions affect different aspects of jaw function and may be separately ratable.
Common Mistakes
Not submitting imaging that clearly shows the condyloid process is absent can delay the claim. Not filing separately for TMD (DC 9905) if you also have limited jaw opening means you may miss additional compensation. The condyloid process loss rating under DC 9908 is specifically for the bone loss; the functional limitation of jaw opening is a separate impairment under DC 9905.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the rating different for loss on one side versus both sides?
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.
Can I get separate ratings for condyloid process loss and TMJ?
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.