The loss of more than one-half of the lower jaw.

Trauma such as gunshot wounds, infections, and removal of oral tumors may lead to loss of the mandible.

Signs and symptoms of this condition may include: facial deformities, restrictions in opening the mouth, difficulty swallowing and chewing, loss of weight, and nutritional deficiencies.

Visual inspection, physical examination, x-rays, and computed tomography (CT) scan are tests that may be used.

Reconstructive surgery and dental prosthetics to correct deformities, re-establishment of eating processes, and maintenance of nutritional status, are treatment choices. Counseling may be needed for body image disturbance.

Alternative methods of eating, inadequate nutritional status, facial deformities, and psychological disturbance are potential long-term effects of the disorder.

• May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more, which are separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability and involves different anatomical segments or bodily systems. See  38 CFR 3.350(i)(1) – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

• 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

• 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 38 CFR 4.25 for each separately rated condition