Service members suffering from a condition called bruxism, mainly caused by teeth grinding, can be eligible for the VA disability benefits. Bruxism occurs due to stress, anxiety, and various medical conditions, which lead to damage and pain in teeth. This article helps you to know about bruxism, its causes, how it affects veterans, and how you can know that you qualify for VA disability benefits.
This is basically a condition that leads to headaches, jaw pain, and serious damage to your teeth. Brusxims occur mostly when you are sleeping or when awake. For the veterans, bruxism may be linked to their experiences during service, such as stress and anxiety.
What is VA Disability?
VA Disability is a program that helps service members who have disabilities related to their time in the military. If you are confused about which disabilities, then for your information, it may be physical, mental, or a combination of both. VA rates following disabilities based on their severity, and the higher the rating, the more benefits a veteran receives.
How Does VA Disability Help Veterans?
Veterans can get a lot of benefits in many ways with the help of VA disability. If there are any veterans affected by bruxism, they are supported with medical expenses, daily living costs, and even job training assistance. VA disability provides every special care and service that may need to manage their disabilities.
Factors Affecting VA Disability Ratings
Several factors can affect a veteran's VA disability rating. These include:
- The nature of the disability: Some disabilities are considered more severe than others.
- The severity of the disability: The degree to which the disability affects a veteran's daily life.
- The evidence supporting the claim: If you have any severe disability, service members have to provide medical records, witness statements, and other documentation.
Types of VA Disability Benefits
There are several types of VA disability benefits available to veterans, including:
- Monthly compensation: A monthly payment based on the severity of the disability.
- Medical care: Access to VA medical facilities and services.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Assistance with finding and maintaining employment.
- Home loan assistance: Special loan programs for veterans.
Getting Help with Your VA Disability Claim
Are you a veteran and affected by disability? Then, you are eligible for the VA disability benefits. For this, you have to provide important documents to support your claim. You can also get assistance from a VA claim or veteran service organization.
Can Veterans Qualify for VA Disability Benefits for Bruxism?
In qualifying for VA disability benefits for bruxism, veterans typically need to give proof that they have a disability that was caused during military service. Which contains:
- Medical records: Documents that confirm the diagnosis of bruxism and any related conditions.
- Witness statements: Your colleagues must have given witnesses, or health providers must provide details that you have severe symptoms during or after military service.
- Service records: Documents that show the service member's military history include any experience that caused bruxism.
Bruxism and TMJ VA Ratings
As you know, bruxism is a condition that is basically caused by clenching or grinding your teeth. The main effects of this condition are jaw pain, headache, and other severe damage related to oral health. The temporomandibular joint disorder is a condition that affects the joint connecting the upper and lower jaw.
VA Disability Ratings for Bruxism and TMJ
VA used a special code 9905 for diagnosis, and this was used to rate the bruxism based on the impact on the temporomandibular joint. The rating is determined by measuring the distance between the front teeth when the mouth is open.
Interincisal Range and VA Ratings
|
Interincisal Range (mm) |
VA Rating |
Monthly Payment (Vet Only) |
Dietary Restrictions |
|
0-10 |
50% |
$1,075.16 |
All mechanically altered foods |
|
0-10 |
40% |
$755.28 |
Without dietary restrictions |
|
11-20 |
40% |
$755.28 |
All mechanically altered foods |
|
11-20 |
30% |
$524.31 |
Without dietary restrictions |
|
21-29 |
40% |
$755.28 |
Full liquid and pureed foods |
|
21-29 |
30% |
$524.31 |
Soft and semi-solid foods |
|
21-29 |
20% |
$338.49 |
Without dietary restrictions |
|
30-34 |
30% |
$524.31 |
Full liquid and pureed foods |
|
30-34 |
20% |
$338.49 |
Soft and semi-solid foods |
|
30-34 |
10% |
$171.23 |
Without dietary restrictions |
Lateral Excursion Range of Motion
|
Lateral Excursion (mm) |
VA Rating |
Monthly Payment (Vet Only) |
|
0-4 |
10% |
$171.23 |
Note: Modified foods are those that are blended, chopped, ground, or mashed. Always get verification about the dietary restriction from your doctor. If you are going outside for dinner, then it's important to choose a restaurant that provides special discounts for veterans.
What Benefits Can Veterans Receive for Bruxism?
Monthly Disability Compensation
If you are a service member of the military and get any disability like bruxism during their service, then you are eligible for the VA disability benefits. VA rating system checks how severe the disability is and then provides benefits.
Medical Treatment and Services
VA offers a lot of medical services to veterans. Also include bruxism treatment. It can involve:
- Dental care: Regular check ups, fillings, and possibly dental appliances to protect teeth from grinding.
- Medication: Prescription drugs to manage pain and muscle tension.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and techniques to improve jaw function and reduce pain.
- Occupational therapy: Assistance with daily living activities that may be affected by bruxism.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If the veteran is affected by bruxism during the work, they are suitable for the VA vocational rehabilitation services. These services can help veterans:
- Identify suitable career paths: Assess skills and interests to find jobs that are compatible with their limitations.
- Obtain training and education: Provide funding for job training programs or education.
- Find employment: Assist with job placement and job search strategies.
FAQs
How can bruxism be related to military service?
Brusxims is a secondary condition that is caused by the other other service connected disabilities, like PTSD or TBI. The main reasons are stressful combat experiences, noise exposure, or medication side effects that can contribute to bruxism.
How do I file a VA disability claim for bruxism?
If you want to file a VA disability claim for bruxism, you have to provide medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to get the claim. You can do this through online sources, by mail, or in person at the VA regional office.
What factors affect the VA disability rating for bruxism?
The VA rates bruxism by determining its severity, which is measured by the distance between the front teeth when the mouth opens. Other factors that effects the rating are dental or jaw condition and the impact of bruxism on daily life.