Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses What to Expect in a TMJ Veterans Disability C&P Exam.
Leah discusses the Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD), a condition many veterans suffer from, and its relationship with VA disability. TMJD can be related to service either primarily (diagnosed during service and persistent thereafter) or secondarily (related to other conditions like mental health issues or facial injuries). Veterans filing a claim for TMJD will likely undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, mostly conducted by contract companies, not the VA. During the exam, dental professionals evaluate the veteran using a Disability Benefits Questionnaire for TMJ, which focuses heavily on the range of motion of the jaw. Ratings for disability due to TMJD can range up to 50% based on several variables, including diet and jaw movement limitations. Leah emphasizes consulting legal professionals to understand the ratings and refers to her other videos for more insights on TMJD.