The Veteran's initial rating for TMJ prior to October 15, 2019 was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. From October 15, 2019, her rating of 40 percent is also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's inter-incisal range of motion from October 15, 2019 was at most 29 millimeters, which does not warrant a higher than 40 percent rating under the applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20006837
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.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), but denied earlier effective dates and a higher rating.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher initial rating for TMJ, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.
- Denied
The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no competent medical evidence of a current disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.