The Board denied service connection for TMJ as the current disorder was not shown to be causally related to in-service injuries.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show a nexus between the in-service injury and the current TMJ disorder, with the examiner indicating that overuse and bruxism were more likely causes of the condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 18, 2026
- Citation
- 26002262
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 26002262.
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 reduction in the rating for service-connected TMJ from 30 percent to 10 percent was improper, and the 30 percent rating is restored.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew her claim for an earlier effective date for the assigned 10 percent rating for service-connected TMJ, and this appeal is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's TMJ may be related to his in-service bicycle accident, but a VA examination is needed to determine if this is the case.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors, including failure to obtain SSA records and failed attempts at contacting the Veteran for a PTSD examination.
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