The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher initial rating for TMJ dysfunction prior to March 23, 2005 and denies the claim.
The deciding factor: Prior to March 23, 2005, there was no demonstrated limitation of motion or other symptoms associated with the veteran's TMJ dysfunction that would warrant a higher initial rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- October 30, 2008
- Citation
- 0837337
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0837337.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's rating for TMJ Dysfunction was restored to 20 percent effective June 1, 2013. He is denied a higher rating.
- 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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