The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) as there was no evidence that the condition met the criteria for a 40 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's TMJ did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to the lack of evidence showing interincisal range of motion limited to 11 to 20 millimeters or less, with dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods.
- Claimed conditions
- temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2024
- Citation
- A24067938
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) as the evidence did not show a vertical inter-incisal opening measured between 21 to 29 mm even when considering flare-ups or dietary restrictions.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder alone rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and she is entitled to a TDIU for accrued benefits purposes on and from December 19, 2015. Additionally, the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC based on statutory housebound criteria for accrued benefits purposes.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and granted a 10 percent rating for left hip limitation of extension, while denying other claims.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 50 percent rating for tension headaches and a 50 percent rating for left knee strain, limitation of extension, while denying ratings in excess of 30 percent for TMJ and a compensable rating for alopecia areata. The decision also granted 20 percent ratings for left and right knee strains with limitations on flexion and extension.
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