The Veteran's TMJ disorder with fracture left zygoma was denied increased ratings, as the interincisal range did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or revised VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The interincisal range of motion did not reach the required levels to warrant an increase in rating from 10% to 20% prior to March 9, 2021, and to 30% after that date.
- Claimed conditions
- TMJ dysfunction, Fracture left zygoma with metal plate insertion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 23, 2021
- Citation
- 21076277
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 21076277.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus is denied as his disability has already been rated at the maximum allowable level.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes during the pendency of this appeal.,Service connection for a right shoulder disorder, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, hypertension, vertigo, and respiratory condition are all denied as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.
- Denied
The Board denied an effective date earlier than August 29, 2022, for the award of service connection for TMJ dysfunction.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for TMJ dysfunction and an initial 20 percent rating for right ankle strain, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to a finding of a duty to assist error related to the claim for service connection for depression, and the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.
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