Conditions / Dental and oral
38 CFR 4.150, diagnostic code 9905 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for TMJ (temporomandibular disorder)
VA rates TMJ (temporomandibular disorder) under diagnostic code 9905 (Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)) at 5 levels from 10% to 50%. The lowest paid level, 10%, is worth $180.42 a month and the highest, 50%, $1,132.90 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 9905
- 2Highest level 50% · $1,132.90
- 3Lowest paid level 10% · $180.42
Rating criteria for DC 9905
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 50% | Maximum unassisted vertical opening (interincisal range) of 0 to 10 mm, with dietary restriction to all mechanically altered foods. |
| 40% | Interincisal range of 0 to 10 mm without that dietary restriction; or 11 to 20 mm with dietary restriction to all mechanically altered foods; or 21 to 29 mm with restriction to full liquid and pureed foods. |
| 30% | Interincisal range of 11 to 20 mm without dietary restriction; or 21 to 29 mm with restriction to soft and semi-solid foods; or 30 to 34 mm with restriction to full liquid and pureed foods. |
| 20% | Interincisal range of 21 to 29 mm without dietary restriction; or 30 to 34 mm with restriction to soft and semi-solid foods. |
| 10% | Interincisal range of 30 to 34 mm without dietary restriction; or lateral excursion of 0 to 4 mm. |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.150 Schedule of ratings, dental and oral conditions, diagnostic code 9905, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- Ratings for limited interincisal movement are not combined with ratings for limited lateral excursion.
- For VA purposes, normal maximum unassisted vertical opening is 35 to 50 mm.
- A dietary restriction supports a higher level only when a physician documents or verifies the texture-modified diet.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | 55 → 60% |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | 46 → 50% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | 37 → 40% |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | 28 → 30% |
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | 19 → 20% |
3 of the 5 compensable levels are 30% or higher, where dependents raise the payment; below that the rate is flat. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $952.48 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
How this rating fits a claim
This code reaches 40% or more, the level one disability needs under 38 CFR 4.16(a) when several disabilities together reach 70% for unemployability. A rating under DC 9905 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Tinnitus (DC 6260)
- Vertigo (peripheral vestibular disorder) (DC 6204)
- Meniere's disease (DC 6205)
- PTSD (DC 9411)
- Degenerative arthritis (DC 5003)
Pay at the top level: 50% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 10% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.150, diagnostic code 9905. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.