The Board denied a higher rating for dental injury residuals on and after February 16, 2002, finding that the veteran's inter-incisal range was 30 millimeters, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found the veteran had an inter-incisal range of 30 millimeters and no malunion or nonunion of the mandible, which is the highest rating available under the applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- dental injury, temporomandibular joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 27, 2006
- Citation
- 0602458
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for dental injury and TMJ have been reopened, but further evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are service-connected. Other issues related to the right shoulder, left knee, respiratory system, and allergic rhinitis remain unresolved.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of temporomandibular joint disease has been dismissed as the attorney withdrew it.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for left shoulder condition, neck condition, residuals of facial trauma, skin condition (cold sores), and a dental condition for outpatient treatment purposes. The effective dates for these claims are not addressed in this decision.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for dental injury, finding that there was no evidence of bone damage to the maxilla or mandible during service. The claim is denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support compensation.
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