---
title: "DC 9903 - Mandible, nonunion of, confirmed by diagnostic imaging studies"
diagnostic_code: "9903"
body_system: "Dental and Oral Conditions"
cfr_section: "§ 4.150"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/dental/9903-mandible-nonunion-of-confirmed-by-diagnostic-imaging-studies"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.150"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:48:43.842565Z"
---

# DC 9903 - Mandible, nonunion of, confirmed by diagnostic imaging studies

Rated under § 4.150. Body system: Dental and Oral Conditions.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Severe, with false motion |
| 10% | Moderate, without false motion |

## Notes

- Note (1): For VA compensation purposes, diagnostic imaging studies include, but are not limited to, conventional radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), radionuclide bone scanning, or ultrasonography
- Note (2): Separately evaluate loss of vocal articulation, loss of smell, loss of taste, neurological impairment, respiratory dysfunction, and other impairments under the appropriate diagnostic code and combine under § 4.25 for each separately rated condition

# Nonunion of the Mandible (Diagnostic Code 9903)

## Understanding a Nonunion of the Mandible

The mandible is the lower jawbone. A **nonunion** occurs when a fracture or break in the mandible fails to heal and knit back together as it should. Under the VA rating schedule, this condition is rated when it is **confirmed by diagnostic imaging studies**.

This condition falls under the VA's **Dental and Oral Conditions** body system and is addressed in **§ 4.150** of the rating schedule.

### How Nonunion of the Mandible Is Confirmed

For VA compensation purposes, diagnostic imaging studies used to confirm a nonunion include, but are not limited to:

- Conventional radiography (X-ray)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Radionuclide bone scanning
- Ultrasonography

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating for a nonunion of the mandible based on its severity, including whether "false motion" is present. False motion refers to abnormal movement at the site where the bone has failed to heal.

| Rating | What It Reflects |
| ------ | ---------------- |
| **30%** | Severe, with false motion |
| **10%** | Moderate, without false motion |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a nonunion of the mandible, the VA considers:

- **Confirmation by diagnostic imaging.** The nonunion must be established through one or more of the imaging studies described above.
- **Severity of the condition.** The VA distinguishes between a **moderate** nonunion (rated at 10%) and a **severe** nonunion (rated at 30%).
- **Presence of false motion.** A key factor separating the two rating levels is whether false motion is present at the site of the nonunion. A severe nonunion *with* false motion supports the higher rating, while a moderate nonunion *without* false motion corresponds to the lower rating.

### Related Impairments Rated Separately

The VA notes that certain related impairments are **evaluated separately** under their own appropriate diagnostic codes and then combined under **§ 4.25** for each separately rated condition. These may include:

- Loss of vocal articulation
- Loss of smell
- Loss of taste
- Neurological impairment
- Respiratory dysfunction
- Other impairments

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule entry for Diagnostic Code 9903 (§ 4.150). It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.150