The Board remands the claim for service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) to obtain a more comprehensive medical opinion.
The deciding factor: The examination was found inadequate as it did not address aggravation and ignored relevant evidence regarding the Veteran's history of clenching her jaw due to PTSD.
- 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
- March 11, 2025
- Citation
- A25022519
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.
- 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.
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.