The veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the mandible with internal derangement of the left temporomandibular joint are not entitled to an increased evaluation beyond 10 percent.,The veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right maxilla do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the veteran has malunion or nonunion of the mandible, which would warrant an increased evaluation under Diagnostic Code 9903 or 9904. The recent VA examination showed motion from 30 to 35 mm, and previous examinations showed opening of the mouth up to 41 mm in 1997 and 40 mm in 1999.
- Claimed conditions
- Residuals of a Fracture of the Mandible with Internal Derangement of the Left Temporomandibular Joint, Residuals of a Fracture of the Right Maxilla
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 5, 2002
- Citation
- 0217610
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 0217610.
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
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- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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