Prior to May 8, 2014, the Veteran's TMJ dysfunction was manifested by inter-incisal range of motion between 43.5 to 47 millimeters (mm) and lateral excursion to 7 mm, bilaterally.,Beginning May 8, 2014, the Veteran reported worsening TMJ symptoms with increased frequency of jaw locking and inability to move into maximum opening without pain. The inter-incisal range of motion was reduced to 38 mm and lateral excursion remained at 7 mm, bilaterally.,Beginning August 19, 2015, the Veteran's TMJ dysfunction was manifested by inter-incisal range of motion of 38 mm and lateral excursion to 7 mm, bilaterally.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows a reduction in inter-incisal range of motion from 43.5-47 mm to 38 mm beginning May 8, 2014, which is sufficient for a 10% rating under DC 9905.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 20, 2016
- Citation
- 1636667
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 1636667.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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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