Loss of part or all of the lower jawbone, including the vertical portion that connects to the skull.
Diagnostic imaging is central to this rating. VA recognizes X-rays, CT scans, MRI, PET scans, radionuclide bone scans, and ultrasound as acceptable imaging studies. These records should show exactly how much of the mandible and ramus was removed and whether the temporomandibular joint was affected.
Surgical and pathology reports from the procedure that caused the loss can document the extent of bone removed. If you have a prosthesis, records from your prosthodontist or oral surgeon showing whether the prosthesis successfully replaces the missing bone are directly relevant, because the rating is lower when a prosthesis can do that job.
If related problems such as difficulty speaking, breathing, smelling, or tasting also affect you, medical records and statements describing those symptoms support separate ratings for each condition. Your own statements about how the loss affects eating, speaking, and daily activities can help paint a full picture of your functional limitations.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
