Loss of more than half of upper jaw

Medical records and diagnostic imaging are central to supporting a rating under this code. The regulation specifies that diagnostic imaging studies — including X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, radionuclide bone scanning, and ultrasonography — are recognized for VA compensation purposes. These studies can show the extent of bone loss and help establish whether more than half of the maxilla is gone.

To support the higher rating, records or examination findings would need to show that the loss cannot be replaced by a prosthesis. This might include notes from oral surgeons, prosthodontists, or other treating providers explaining why a prosthetic replacement is not feasible. For the lower rating, documentation that a prosthesis has been fitted or is medically possible would be relevant. Statements from you or your treating providers describing the impact on chewing, speaking, or daily function may also help support any separately rated conditions, such as loss of taste or smell, which are evaluated on their own.