Jaw Bone Infection / Osteonecrosis
Osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are rated under DC 9900. These conditions involve infection or death of the jaw bone and are rated based on the severity and activity of the disease. Constitutional symptoms include draining, gums or sockets that fail to heal after dental work, loose teeth, numbness or heaviness in the jaw, pain, swelling, redness, and visible bone in the mouth.
VA Rating Levels
Inactive disease with no evidence of active infection in the past five years, following repeated episodes.
Discharging sinus or other evidence of active infection within the past five years.
A definite layer of new bone growth outside existing bone (involucrum) or a dead piece of bone (sequestrum), with or without a discharging sinus.
Frequent episodes accompanied by constitutional symptoms.
Multiple locations of disease, or long history of treatment resistance and debility, anemia, liver changes, or other continuous constitutional symptoms.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →If you had radiation therapy to the head or neck area and later developed jaw bone problems, this may qualify as osteoradionecrosis.
- →Document all episodes of active infection including dates, symptoms, and treatment in your medical records.
- →Constitutional symptoms like draining, swelling, and visible bone exposure are key indicators the examiner looks for.
- →If you had dental extractions that never healed properly during or after service, get that documented as it may support this diagnosis.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.150, DC 9900