The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left ankle fracture and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting a compensable rating for the left ankle fracture, and also found no nexus between the current TMJ disorder and in-service jaw injuries.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show ankylosis or malunion of the os calcis or astragalus with moderate deformity for the left ankle fracture. The Board also determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between the current TMJ disorder and in-service jaw injuries, as the symptoms were not shown to be chronic in service.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle fracture, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19188949
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 19188949.
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 Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) as the evidence did not show a vertical inter-incisal opening measured between 21 to 29 mm even when considering flare-ups or dietary restrictions.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder alone rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and she is entitled to a TDIU for accrued benefits purposes on and from December 19, 2015. Additionally, the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC based on statutory housebound criteria for accrued benefits purposes.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and granted a 10 percent rating for left hip limitation of extension, while denying other claims.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 50 percent rating for tension headaches and a 50 percent rating for left knee strain, limitation of extension, while denying ratings in excess of 30 percent for TMJ and a compensable rating for alopecia areata. The decision also granted 20 percent ratings for left and right knee strains with limitations on flexion and extension.
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