The Board denied service connection for TMJ with bruxism secondary to service-connected tinnitus.,The Board also denied service connection for a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea and insomnia, secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,Service connection was also denied for joint pain with functional loss secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of TMJ and noted that the Veteran's bruxism is not a compensable dental disability. The Board therefore concluded that service connection for TMJ with bruxism was denied.,The VA examiner opined that the Veteran’s sleep apnea, insomnia, and joint pain were less likely than not related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune due to lack of medical literature supporting such a relationship.,The VA examiner also found no evidence linking the Veteran's joint pain with functional loss to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- Claimed conditions
- TMJ with bruxism, sleep disorder, to include sleep apnea and insomnia, joint pain with functional loss
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20069686
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.
- Partly granted
The appeal for service connection for allergic rhinitis and lumbosacral or cervical strain was dismissed due to untimeliness, while the other issues were remanded for further evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of service connection for a sleep disorder and entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for chronic obstipation (constipation) for further development.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a sleep disorder, and hypertension. The claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral hearing loss was remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased ratings due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.