The Veteran's mental health disorder, TMJ, and breast cancer are all granted service connection. The Board found that the Veteran had a long history of depression in service which is related to her current conditions.
The deciding factor: Service treatment records show consistent mental health issues and post-service VA examinations confirmed these diagnoses. For TMJ, there was no evidence linking it to service despite the Veteran's assertions. Service treatment records did not indicate any TMJ symptoms or diagnosis. The breast cancer diagnosis is linked to a noted breast pain in service which resolved without further issue.
- Claimed conditions
- Mental Health Disorder (Major Depressive Disorder and General Anxiety Disorder), Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), Breast Disorder, to include Breast Cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 18, 2021
- Citation
- A21018493
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 A21018493.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected TMJ and tinnitus were granted effective January 31, 2020.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is granted for TMJ disorder and low back condition, but service connection for dental injury top left rear teeth remains remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and TMJ disorder are remanded due to a failure to provide a VA examination prior to the January 2021 rating decision. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran currently has these conditions, as well as whether they are related to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevents her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and she has met the threshold minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU. Additionally, she is entitled to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.
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