Wooderson

So claim is in and I had a C&P examination. I submitted all of the medical studies that showed a connection between TMJ-Bruxism-and PTSD. The C&P was very fast and I was concerned I didn't get a favorable/quality exam. Waited a few weeks and get a denial for service connection on TMJ with severe bruxism. Once again I thought I didn't get a favorable opinion from examiner and had VSO get copy of exam. It stated claimant has severe bruxism and it started in Iraq. So I would rationalize that it is more likely than not...The etiology of bruxism is unknown, however stress and anxiety can be contributing factors. The fact the claimants bruxism started in Iraq would coincide with service related anxiety and stress. On the decision it showed for positive evidence: TMJ with severe bruxism diagnosis, didn't list anything else I submitted (other doctors reports, buddy letter, etc.). My VSO was very surprised that they came back denied and we have submitted for a higher level review. Where do you think I lacked/messed up. I really thought this was going to be a no-brainer for the VA, but I sure was wrong.

I am currently 10% for Chronic Urticaria, my dermatologist has changed my medication (because the antihistamines quit working) and for the past 4-5 months I have been on a second-line treatment (leukotriene inhibitors). Under the VA Schedule those medications when used to treat the condition looks like it should be rated at 30%. I've never requested an increase, is there a certain amount of time you need to be on the new medication? Is there anything else I need to know/do to present the evidence properly when doing the claim. thanks

I submitted a claim for OSA (secondary to PTSD). I did a lot of work gathering my evidence. I also was assisted by Dr. Anaise with an IME. It was done very quickly and returned for me in time to have it a part of my claim. I was notified that I received service connection at 50% for OSA (w/CPAP). Less than two months from submission. I have been off active duty for more than ten years and was never diagnosed with OSA while on active duty. My sleep study was done about 7 years after leaving active duty. I did have some “sleep issues” noted in service medical records, but not OSA. I just wanted to let people know.

I have had plantar fasciitis for several years. I've been service connected (prior to the plantar fasciitis) with both lumbar and cervical degenerative disc, and both knees (instability) at 10%. I believe the issues have changed my gate and a few years ago my feet began to overpronate, which is the same time i started having feet problems. Has anyone seen trying to secondary connect the Plantar Fasciitis to the back and/or knee injuries. I realize a doctor would have to agree and provide evidence, just seeing what you all have seen. Thanks.

I recently submitted a supplemental claim for two issues I was previously denied for--and let it go over a year with appealing. I am waiting on a medical report and will be filing a new claim for a new never filed for condition. If I do the new claim now (while the supplemental's are going through the process) will it slow things down...for either claim? Should I just wait for the decision on the supplemental and then do the new claim? Or does it not matter. Thanks

I'm still trying to find my denial, but i will also be trying to re-open the tinnitus denial. I know that I advised that I had symptoms while on active duty, just nothing in my records. It states that the Post Deployment health assessment shows that I denied ringing in the ears. That is not true. I actually failed to answer any of the 14 questions in the entire section...i didn't answer yes or no, i guess i overlooked the section when i filled it out and didn't answer anything. I am also going to attempt to secondary link the tinnitus to the bruxism, which is documented in records. tinnitus.pdf

I was just seeing if anyone has utilized Dr. Todd Finnerty (Psychologist) for a Nexus letter and if so how things went. Thanks.

I will get a copy and post here. Thanks.

I will try to keep this from getting too confusing. I claimed and was denied back in 2013 for TMJ and Bruxism. I had NO idea what I was doing and didn’t have any evidence (or even an official diagnosis for that matter). Fast forward to now and I do have a diagnosis for TMJ and severe Bruxism. I have PTSD and cervical spine service connected at 20%. I never even got a C&P exam back in 2013. When I was still on active duty in 2009 after leaving Iraq I saw a military dentist who stated in my SMR “severe Bruxism”. I was then seen by a VA dentist a few months later who prescribed a night guard for the Bruxism. I was never diagnosed with TMJ on active duty. Here is the issue. I know I will have to do a supplemental to reopen the previous denials. I have done a ton of research and have numerous medical studies that link Bruxism to TMJ (as both a cause and symptom). Also that the PTSD stress/anxiety can lead to Bruxism which can then cause TMJ. And finally cervical spine issues can cause TMJ (which in turn causes the Bruxism) due to all the muscles and ligaments being connected at the neck and head. My teeth are trashed and flattened down to almost nothing. I’m going to be at probably $8-10,000 out of pocket trying to at least prolong keeping my teeth. Will the supplement be just a request (with new and relevant information) to reopen? Or will I request to reopen and at the same time submit my evidence and ask for service connection?? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

...and regarding the knee/back issues I was trying to hopefully show that my weight gain (205 at sleep testing, weighed about 170 coming off active duty) was possibly due to my knees/back. At 205 my BMI would be around 28 so just trying to have something in my case if VA says the OSA is possibly due to weight gain (even though im not really obese).

Yea I totally get that, but my line of thinking (since there wasn't a diagnosis on active duty) was that it may at least show there there was at least some type of sleep issues that were complained about and documented. Was it OSA? Who knows, but I have read hundreds of BVA decisions that say something the effect that the service member has NO complaints of sleep disturbances. So at least I show something which I was thinking was better than nothing in my service records. am i on the right track at all? Thanks

I know this type of question has been asked over and over, but my searches did address some questions i had. Been off active duty for about 9 years and was diagnosed with OSA in 2017 (CPAP prescribed). I would like to attempt to file for the OSA. I have PTSD, bilateral knee (10% each), and degenerative disc in my back and cervical neck ratings. While on active duty I never received a sleep study, but have a couple of buddy letters attesting to showing symptoms (gasping for air, excessive snoring, etc..) of sleep apnea while on active duty in Iraq. I do have a memorandum for record from a treating physician who saw me while i was deployed (all SMR were lost/destroyed in country by the military and his letter specifically addresses those facts--this is the same letter I used and that the VA used gaining service connection for my other issues). In the letter the physician specifically stated that he treated me for several issues, including sleep disturbances. After returning (while out-processing and still on active duty) i was also shown by the VA dentist to have severe bruxism (which the VA themselves have shown to be a symptom of sleep apnea), possibly to the combat stress that caused the PTSD. So should i file direct service or secondary to PTSD and the knee and back issues. I have gained some weight since coming off active duty due to the fact that I cant workout like before, but I wouldn't say I'm morbidly obese. 6'0", 205. Thanks.

I am planning on filing for a few disabilities in the next few months (once I have actually go my exact medical diagnosis). Anyway, I was denied for TMJ (with Bruxism) and tinnitus. When I did the initial claims I was VERY underprepared on how to file a successful case and was denied service connection. The two items were initially run a direct service connection. I let more than a year go by without appealing, hence the supplemental claim. I will attempt to do the supplemental claim and request reopening for the TMJ secondary to PTSD and submit new evidence regarding service connection for the tinnitus. Question is should I wait until a decision is made on my new case that I am filing before I try and do a supplement on the old case? Thanks.