The Board has granted service connection for a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and lumbosacral arthritis with stenosis, disc protrusion, and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), but denied service connection for cervical spine strain.,Service connection was established based on the Veteran's credible statements regarding his symptoms during military service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities are associated with his military service, particularly his flying duties which may have contributed to his back and neck conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), Lumbosacral Arthritis with Stenosis, Disc Protrusion, and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) - Back Condition, Cervical Spine Strain - Neck Condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 11, 2026
- Citation
- A26022135
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26022135.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected conditions have been denied as the necessary VA examinations were missed without good cause.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's temporomandibular disorder (TMD) was rated at 40 percent, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted for the period from August 19, 2024 to April 3, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical neuropathy, associated with TMD due to inadequate examination reports and failure to address flare-ups.
- Denied
The Veteran's TMD disability is rated at 40 percent since July 26, 2019. The rating for cervical neuropathy associated with TMD remains at 30 percent.
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