The Veteran's TMJ symptoms more nearly approximated an interincisal range of 21 to 29 mm without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods throughout the entire appeal period, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported significant and frequent flare-ups with severe pain, jaw clicking, difficulty chewing a steak, nocturnal bruxism, sore jaw, teeth clenching, and broken teeth. The interincisal range of motion was consistently within the criteria for a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 29, 2026
- Citation
- A26008605
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 A26008605.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and anxiety, as it was fully granted. The claim for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) secondary to tension headaches is remanded due to an inadequate examination.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and a rating in excess of 20 percent for the condition. The Veteran's symptoms were found to be consistent with a 20 percent disability rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and MDD, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of September 1, 2019.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied, and the Board found no basis to assign an earlier effective date.
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