Service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is granted.

Board reasoning

The Board found that TMJ has a current diagnosis and, after weighing medical opinions and lay statements, concluded the condition had its onset in service or is etiologically related to service, granting service connection. For chronic respiratory issues, chronic sinusitis, and chronic rhinitis, the Board relied on a January 2025 VA examiner who found no chronic respiratory diagnosis and no sinusitis, and thus denied these claims after noting the lack of a compensable pathology. For DM II and hypertension, the Board found no evidence of onset within one year of service or a nexus to service, weighing the October 2024 examiner’s negative opinions as persuasive. Regarding the renal claim, the Board remanded for an addendum opinion to determine specific renal diagnoses and whether any had onset in service, considering the veteran’s lay statements and post-service records. The opinions ci...