The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for temporomandibular disorder was denied, and his claims for service connection for bilateral keratoconus were also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for TMJ or service connection for keratoconus.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show interincisal range of motion limited to 30-34 millimeters with dietary restrictions, which would warrant an increased rating under DC 9905. The Veteran's bilateral keratoconus was also denied as there is no credible evidence that it began during service or is otherwise related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- temporomandibular disorder, bilateral keratoconus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22056179
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 22056179.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals of claims for higher ratings for temporomandibular disorder and loss of teeth, as well as claims for service connection for scars on the left and right hips. The claim for an initial compensable rating for paresthesia of the midline to lower right jaw is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for his jaw disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected condition.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of any current disabilities such as chronic osteomyelitis or osteoradionecrosis, loss of whole or part of the mandible, nonunion or malunion of the mandible, temporomandibular disorder, loss of whole or part of the ramus, loss of whole or part of the maxilla, nonunion or malunion of the maxilla, loss of the condyloid or coronoid process, or loss of any part of the hard palate.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.