VA disability benefits include dental care, too! There are several dental conditions that are extra common among the Veteran population. Because of this, it's possible to earn either Direct Service Connected or Secondary Service Connected and get VA disability benefits – as long as you have a claim full of compelling documentation.
These are 4 of the most common dental connections faced by Veterans:
Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding – a common dental condition that is often related to stress. This can lead to wear and tear on the teeth, which increases the risk for jaw disorders or dental fractures. Some studies suggest that bruxism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often co-occuring conditions, which makes sense since PTSD is a common mental health condition among veterans.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD)
"TMJ" is the jaw joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. When TMDJ occurs, pain and dysfunction in this area are chronic. Most people simply say "TMJ" when referring to this condition. There are a few different reasons that TMJ can arise, one of which is actually bruxism which we mentioned above. Otherwise, it can be caused by a jaw injury, genetics, arthritis, or stress. The VA recognizes TMJ as a condition that affects Veterans, so filing for this is common.
Dental erosion
Dental erosion is a loss of tooth enamel, typically as a result of stomach acid. This is often caused by gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). Veterans are more likely to develop GERDÂ for several reasons, between lifestyle habits and service-connected conditions (hernia, substance use disorders, and PTSD to name a few). Over time, dental erosion can cause significant damage to one's oral health.Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) occurs commonly among Veterans for a few different reasons. On the mild end, this condition is gum inflammation – but on the severe end, it's a serious condition that can damage the bones that support our teeth. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by regular brushing, flossing, and dental care appointments. This occurs commonly in Veterans as a result of certain habits, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking tobacco, or substance use disorders that harm teeth. Veterans are at a higher risk for substance use disorders.
Are you preparing to file a VA disability benefits claim?
Getting the right documentation for your VA disability claim makes a massive difference in getting results. At MRPY Professional Services, we help Veterans get private medical evidence in the form of Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more. Ready for an easy VA disability claims process? Start today with a chart review or one of our other services.
