The VA determined that the veteran's TMJ dysfunction does not warrant a compensable evaluation, as his interincisal range is beyond 40 mm and lateral excursion ranges are within normal limits.
The deciding factor: The veteran's interincisal range was found to be greater than 40 mm on examination, which exceeds the criteria for a noncompensable rating under DC 9905. The examiner did not find any significant displacement of the mandible or masticatory impairment that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 12, 2001
- Citation
- 0124566
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0124566.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and effective dates were denied. The rating for urinary incontinence with tract infections was not granted above 60 percent, while the rating for TMJ dysfunction was not granted above 40 percent. Effective date claims for TDIU and DEA benefits were also denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a 20 percent rating for TMJ dysfunction, effective November 14, 2012, is granted. The claim for an increased rating for the residuals of maxilla fracture, other than the 20 percent rating assigned for TMJ dysfunction, remains denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's rating for TMJ Dysfunction was restored to 20 percent effective June 1, 2013. He is denied a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to support these claims. Service connection is granted for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders).
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