The Veteran's service-connected residuals of left mandible fracture, status post open reduction/internal fixation with resultant TMJ dysfunction are currently evaluated at a 10 percent disability rating. The Board found that the current evaluation is not adequate to reflect his current level of disability.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not distinguish between the disabilities caused by the three related disabilities (left mandible fracture, status post open reduction/internal fixation with resultant TMJ dysfunction; residuals of mandible fracture, with paresthesias, mental branch, left inferior alveolar nerve; and left jaw scar), which is required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left mandible fracture, status post open reduction/internal fixation, 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 23, 2012
- Citation
- 1236693
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 1236693.
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.
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- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for headaches, chronic sinusitis, IBS, and bilateral hand tremors. Service connection was denied for fibromyalgia. The Board also denied an increased rating for PTSD and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis effective June 26, 2019.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for temporomandibular joint dysfunction based on the current range of motion and lack of sustained improvement.
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