The Veteran's dental disability, including TMJ, resulted in inter-incisal range of motion to no less than 30.6 mm throughout the initial evaluation period and he had missing non-replaceable teeth numbered 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 14, and 31; a fixed partial denture from teeth numbered 4-9 replacing teeth numbered 5-8, and a provisional fixed partial denture from teeth numbered 13-15, replacing tooth number 14. The Veteran's dental disability did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The inter-incisal range of motion was found to be within normal limits and the missing teeth were non-replaceable or replaced by suitable prostheses, thus warranting a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9913-9905.
- Claimed conditions
- TMJ, dental trauma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 2, 2012
- Citation
- 1226771
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1226771.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence for the previously denied claims of vision, dental trauma, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, low back condition, pes planus and plantar fasciitis, right knee condition, left knee condition, and bilateral hearing loss. These claims are being remanded to the AOJ for further adjudication.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for TMJ (also claimed as bruxism) has been dismissed because she withdrew her request to continue the appeal.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for vertigo as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected TMJ. The effective date will be determined by the AOJ.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for TMJ, thoracolumbar spine disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder were dismissed due to untimeliness of the Notice of Disagreement.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.