The Board has denied service connection for TMJ disorder with bruxism and remanded the issues of a compensable disability rating for chorioretinal scar of the left eye, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to October 5, 2017, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of chip fracture of the right ankle, and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of TMJ disorder or bruxism at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim. The Veteran's chorioretinal scar of the left eye is rated under Diagnostic Code 6011 for retinal scars, atrophy, or irregularities.
- Claimed conditions
- TMJ disorder, chorioretinal scar of the left eye, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, residuals of chip fracture of the right ankle, degenerative joint disease of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 6, 2022
- Citation
- 22032966
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 22032966.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% and cannot be increased.,SMC at the housebound rate is granted from January 11, 2021 due to multiple service-connected disabilities.,A TDIU rating effective October 28, 2011 is granted based on inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to migraine headaches.,Eligibility for DEA benefits is granted but no earlier than the date of claim (April 5, 1999).
- Granted
The Veteran's hypertension, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The lumbar spine disability has also been granted but the effective date is not specified.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's TMJ disorder is related to his service and grants the claim for service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran also does not meet criteria for TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.
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