The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) based on the interincisal range of motion and dietary restrictions.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating as the Veteran's TMD exhibited an interincisal range between 21 to 29 millimeters with dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods, which only warranted a 30 percent rating under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 22, 2025
- Citation
- A25036503
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 an effective date prior to February 7, 2023, for the award of a 50 percent rating for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) because it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's TMD disability increased in severity so as to warrant a 50 percent rating within the year prior to receipt of his February 7, 2023, Fully Developed Claim.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to September 3, 2021, for the grant of service connection for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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