Veterans suffering from service-connected disabilities may be eligible for compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA disability ratings are based on the severity and impact of disabilities and health conditions like bruxism, which is a common issue many veterans struggle with as a result of their military service.

Whether you’re looking for help with an appeal or have questions about your current rating, the Law Office of Daniel Martin is here to provide the guidance and support you need. The VA disability rating system is complex, and the approval requirements are often overwhelming to veterans who are also struggling with disabilities. You are not alone in this fight when you have a trusted legal representative on your side. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a medical term for a condition involving the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth. This can occur during sleep or while awake. Bruxism is relatively common, and it often leads to complications such as tooth damage, headaches, jaw pain, and various other symptoms. If left untreated, bruxism can cause the teeth to wear down and even lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

Some of the most common causes of bruxism include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disturbances. Because so many veterans experience PTSD as a result of their military service, bruxism is also frequently diagnosed in servicemembers and veterans.

Is Bruxism Recognized as a Disability by the VA?

Yes, the VA does recognize bruxism as a disability, which means veterans may be able to qualify for disability benefits related to a bruxism diagnosis or when struggling with the associated symptoms. However, bruxism is only considered as a secondary service-connected disability.

Primary service-connected disabilities or conditions are caused or worsened by military service, while secondary conditions are caused or aggravated by primary conditions. You cannot receive a disability rating for a secondary service-connected disability unless it is linked to a primary condition.

How to Obtain a Secondary Disability Rating for Bruxism

If you have a primary service-connected disability that could be the cause of your bruxism, such as PTSD, you may be able to file for a VA disability rating for your bruxism. You must already be receiving disability benefits for a primary condition before applying for a secondary condition. Filing a secondary claim allows you to receive more disability benefits for a condition that is connected to a service-connected disability you already have.

Proving Bruxism as a Secondary Condition

When filing your secondary claim, the VA does not require you to submit evidence, but it is recommended that you provide documents to support your claim. Documentation that may be helpful in your VA disability claim includes:

  • Medical records from VA hospitals and private healthcare providers
  • Statements from family, friends, and people you served with that describe how the condition affects you
  • DD214 and service treatment records

In your application or VA disability appeal, you must show that you did not have bruxism prior to joining the military, that your military service led to your bruxism, and that the condition affects your life due to pain or other disabling symptoms.

VA Disability Rating Guidelines for Bruxism

The disability rating you receive for bruxism will depend on the specific symptoms you experience because the VA does not have a rating specifically for bruxism. Many people who struggle with this condition have dental problems, such as tooth loss. The VA rating for tooth loss depends on the severity and location of the loss. Loss of all teeth is rated at 40%, while loss of all upper or lower anterior teeth would result in a rating of 10%. If your bruxism is severe enough that you have also developed jaw problems like TMJ, your rating may be as high as 50%.

Calculating Compensation for Bruxism as a Secondary Condition

Secondary disability ratings are added to existing ratings as proportional percentages. For example, if your current rating for PTSD is 50% and your bruxism is rated at 20%, your new rating will not be 70%. Instead, it is likely that your combined rating would be 60%, which is calculated by multiplying your primary rating by your secondary rating percentage and adding those numbers. This system can be confusing, especially if you have more than one primary or secondary rating to calculate. Our VA disability attorney can explain the process for calculating VA disability benefits and help you appeal a denial or inaccurate rating for bruxism.

We support Tennessee veterans seeking VA disability benefits through the appeal process and are happy to provide personalized guidance when needed. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to schedule a free consultation.