Grinding your teeth isn’t just annoying, it could be caused by a medical issue related to your military service. That’s why it’s essential to understand the bruxism VA rating.
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You woke up in the morning with a sore jaw, headache, and aching teeth. Now, you can’t open your mouth as wide as you used to. But teeth grinding and clenching can be more than an annoyance. A medical condition called bruxism often causes these symptoms, and it may even tie back to your military service. This post explains the bruxism VA rating and how you may be able to qualify.
In this article about the bruxism VA rating:
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for when you grind and clench your teeth. The cause of bruxism is unknown, but medical professionals think stress is a factor.
Regardless of the reason you grind your teeth, bruxism can lead to uncomfortable outcomes. You may not know you’re grinding your teeth because bruxism often happens when people are asleep. Unless you have someone to tell you that you’re doing it, you may also need to look for signs including:
- Chipped enamel
- Cracked, worn down, or loosened teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum-related erosion
- Jaw issues
- Tooth loss or loose teeth
- Headaches, ear aches, or tooth or neck pain
- Clicking sounds when you open your mouth
Often, a dentist can tell if you grind your teeth based on observable wear.
Bruxism is common in veterans. At least one study found that veterans with Gulf War Illness tend to grind or clench their teeth more than the general population, actions that may be attributed to the greater stress levels they reported.
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Bruxism and TMJ VA rating
Bruxism is rated analogously using an appropriate diagnostic code from the Schedule of Ratings for Dental and Oral Conditions, based on problems with your jaw caused by teeth grinding. A common analogous rating for bruxism is diagnostic code 9905 for temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
TMD refers to a group of jaw conditions. Many of these conditions affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the ball-and-socket joint where your upper and lower jaw connect. The joints work with muscles, ligaments, and bones to keep your jaw working properly. When the TMJ is damaged or inflamed, it causes pain and doesn’t move properly.
The way your jaw moves is called the “interincisal range.” For the VA’s purposes, the normal range that your jaw should move is from 35 to 50 mm. Therefore, the rating criteria for bruxism using diagnostic code 9905 is as follows.
Interincisal range 0 to 10 millimeters (mm) of maximum unassisted vertical opening:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| With dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods | 50% | $1,075.16 |
| Without dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods | 40% | $755.28 |
Interincisal range 11 to 20 mm of maximum unassisted vertical opening:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| With dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods | 40% | $755.28 |
| Without dietary restrictions to all mechanically altered foods | 30% | $524.31 |
Interincisal range 21 to 29 mm of maximum unassisted vertical opening:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| With dietary restrictions to full liquid and pureed foods | 40% | $755.28 |
| With dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods | 30% | $524.31 |
| Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods | 20% | $338.49 |
Interincisal range 30 to 34 mm of maximum unassisted vertical opening:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| With dietary restrictions to full liquid and pureed foods | 30% | $524.31 |
| With dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods | 20% | $338.49 |
| Without dietary restrictions to mechanically altered foods | 10% | $171.23 |
Lateral excursion range of motion:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 mm | 10% | $171.23 |
For the purposes of a VA disability rating, “mechanically altered foods” are those that are blended, chopped, ground, or mashed to make them easier to chew or swallow.
The VA considers there to be four levels of mechanically altered foods: full liquid, puree, soft, and semisolid foods. A physician must verify these food requirements.
VA disability for bruxism and related conditions
Bruxism is typically rated as a secondary service connection, which means it is related to another condition that’s service connected, including mental health issues.
Bruxism secondary to PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may cause bruxism in rare situations. Research has shown a relationship between teeth grinding and PTSD, finding that some people with PTSD grind their teeth when awake or asleep. Researchers believe emotional distress related to the trauma disorder are the cause for the bruxism.
Therefore, if you receive a disability rating for PTSD and also experience bruxism, your teeth grinding may qualify as a secondary condition and result in increased compensation.
Bruxism secondary to anxiety
The cause of bruxism is unknown. However, anxiety is thought to be the most common precursor of bruxism, especially when it occurs while you are awake. This is because your jaw can tense up as part of your reaction to severe stress, causing you to grind your teeth.
If you receive a disability rating for anxiety and also experience bruxism, it may qualify as a secondary condition. If so, you will receive additional compensation.
Bruxism secondary to tinnitus
Many veterans wonder if they can claim bruxism secondary to tinnitus for VA disability, but the relationship is actually reversed. Bruxism can cause tinnitus because clenching your jaw can cause pressure in the bone that results in one or both ears ringing.
Therefore, if your service-connected bruxism causes tinnitus, the VA could owe you additional compensation.
“If you were injured while serving this country and are reading this review, I encourage you to contact Woods and Woods right away. They are always standing ready to assist veterans in need.”
J.B., a Navy veteran in Virginia
How Woods and Woods can help
Woods and Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists knows the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, the VA does provide disability benefits, but only as a secondary service connection. That means the condition must be medically connected to another service-connected condition.
No, the relationship between bruxism and tinnitus actually works the opposite way. Tinnitus is often secondary to bruxism. The jaw clenching associated with bruxism can put pressure on your jaw bones, causing one or both ears to ring. Having both conditions could lead to an increase in your VA disability compensation.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
