The Veteran's jaw/temporomandibular condition characterized as TMJ dysfunction is granted service connection. The lung disorder claim is denied due to tobacco use precluding service connection. Service-connected hammertoes of the left and right feet are not granted increased ratings.
The deciding factor: Service connection for TMJ dysfunction was granted based on evidence showing a current disability that began during service, with no clear rationale provided by the VA examiner in January 2020. The lung disorder claim was denied due to tobacco use precluding service connection. Increased rating claims were not granted as there is no evidence of additional functional impairment beyond what is already accounted for under existing ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- jaw/temporomandibular condition characterized as TMJ dysfunction, lung disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- June 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20040449
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 20040449.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection for lung and lumbar spine disorders have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals prior to the promulgation of a decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lung disorder and anxiety and delusional disorders render her incapable of obtaining and maintaining gainful employment as of July 2, 2025. Prior to that date, the evidence does not show she was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due solely to her service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for lung, heart, and prostate disorders due to exposure to ionizing radiation in service. The claims were found not to be related to the Veteran's service.
- Denied
The Veteran's lung disorder was not incurred in service and no presumption of service connection applies. The Board denied the claim as there is no current showing of a lung disorder at any time during the appeal period.
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