The Veteran's TMD with bruxism was not rated in excess of 20 percent from March 29, 2017 to December 18, 2019 and in excess of 30 percent from December 19, 2019. The effective date for the 30 percent rating is set as December 19, 2019.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's interincisal range was not from 11 to 20 mm or approximated, which is required for a 30 percent rating under the pre-amendment version of Diagnostic Code 9905. The additional functional loss due to pain, fatigue, weakness, and lack of endurance did not result in an increase in disability beyond that already contemplated by the 20 percent rating assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disease), Bruxism
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 19, 2023
- Citation
- 23039647
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 23039647.
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: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for the service-connected mental health disorder is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
Service connection for PTSD is denied.,The issue of entitlement to service connection for head trauma and memory loss is dismissed due to concurrent election. The Veteran's claim for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, which is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim, is also remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining relevant VA treatment records and for the need of an additional medical opinion. The appellant's claim is related to PTSD with bruxism, and the AOJ must obtain all outstanding private treatment records from VA electronic databases and provide a new medical opinion on the severity of his psychiatric disorder prior to February 7, 2023.
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