Disability c. Denying Consider the issue of SC for compensation purposes for the conditions listed Dental Claims in in a formal rating and deny the claim if for SC Compensation a Veteran claims compensation for one of these conditions, and the record shows no complicating condition that is subject to SC. In the of the rating decision, discuss that under , SC for such Narrative conditions can be established only for treatment purposes, and note if dental treatment in service was limited to conditions affecting only the teeth or gums. Evaluate bony abnormalities of the jaw that are subject to SC according to the d. Evaluating Bony 9900-series DCs contained in . Abnormalities of the Jaw e. Definition is defined as excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive Bruxism and Evaluation clenching of the jaw. Guidelines for Bruxism Bruxism cannot be evaluated as a stand-alone SC disability. However, as the condition may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or some other disability, it may be considered on a secondary basis as a symptom of an SC disability for rating purposes. If an examination solely diagnoses bruxism and does not provide Important: an etiology for bruxism, return the examination to the examiner and request the etiology of bruxism in order to determine whether bruxism is secondary to an SC disability. For more information on References: requirements for examination reports generally, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.D.2 bruxism examination report review, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.D.4, and returning examination reports as insufficient for rating purposes, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.D.3.
Disability c. Denying Dental Claims for SC Compensation Consider the issue of SC for compensation purposes for the conditions listed in in a formal rating and deny the claim if a Veteran claims compensation for one of these conditions, and the record shows no complicating condition that is subject to SC. In the Narrative of the rating decision, discuss that under , SC for such conditions can be established only for treatment purposes, and note if dental treatment in service was limited to conditions affecting only the teeth or gums. d. Evaluating Bony Abnormalities of the Jaw Evaluate bony abnormalities of the jaw that are subject to SC according to the 9900-series DCs contained in . e. Definition and Evaluation Guidelines for Bruxism Bruxism is defined as excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw. Bruxism cannot be evaluated as a stand-alone SC disability. However, as the condition may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or some other disability, it may be considered on a secondary basis as a symptom of an SC disability for rating purposes. Important: If an examination solely diagnoses bruxism and does not provide an etiology for bruxism, return the examination to the examiner and request the etiology of bruxism in order to determine whether bruxism is secondary to an SC disability. References: For more information on requirements for examination reports generally, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.D.2 bruxism examination report review, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.D.4, and returning examination reports as insufficient for rating purposes, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iv, 3.D.3.
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