The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for TMJ with bruxism associated with PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of limited range of motion or other service-connected conditions that would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The disability does not meet the criteria for any specific diagnostic code, and the Veteran's symptoms do not justify a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 9913 due to lack of trauma-related injury.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), Bruxism
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18159633
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 18159633.
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: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for the service-connected mental health disorder is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
Service connection for PTSD is denied.,The issue of entitlement to service connection for head trauma and memory loss is dismissed due to concurrent election. The Veteran's claim for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, which is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim, is also remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for TMJ and remanded the claims of increased rating for major depressive disorder and service connection for PTSD.
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