The Board denied an increased rating for service-connected TMJ, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on limited interincisal range of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's inter-incisal distance was consistently greater than 34 millimeters across multiple VA examinations, which is above the threshold required for any increased rating under both old and new criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 12, 2023
- Citation
- 23002295
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23002295.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TMJ symptoms more nearly approximated an interincisal range of 21 to 29 mm without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods throughout the entire appeal period, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and anxiety, as it was fully granted. The claim for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) secondary to tension headaches is remanded due to an inadequate examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and a rating in excess of 20 percent for the condition. The Veteran's symptoms were found to be consistent with a 20 percent disability rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and MDD, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of September 1, 2019.
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