Is it possible to add an injury (that wasn’t documented during my service) to my medical record so that I can qualify for disability?

2019-11-23T15:26:10-05:00

While enlisted I had my wisdom teeth removed on one side of my mouth. During the removal the dentist used a “bridge” to hold open my mouth that was too big for my mouth. Since that procedure was done (1992) I have issues with my jaw locking shut while eating. I have since learned how to manipulate my jaw back when it happens. I am a regular visitor to the VA because they cover my medical care 100% because of a non-service connected spinal cord injury. It’s one of the few injuries they cover even non service connected. For which I am so grateful! And I have mentioned my jaw to the staff I see for energy therapy and acupuncture so they can try to address the pain with those services. ?
Is it possible to get the jaw issue listed into my record so that perhaps I could qualify for disability pay because of it? Or because I didn’t report it while in the Army, I’m out of luck??

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2019 4:21 PM

2019-11-23T16:21:30-05:00

You would have to show the connection when you file your claim. So, if you have a record from sick call or a doctor visit concerning your jaw while you were in the Army, that would be easy to service connect. If you don't have any record it will be difficult to service connect

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2019 6:10 PM

2019-11-23T18:10:34-05:00

If it isn’t documented anywhere then it would be hard to prove any service connection for it.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Nov 24 at 2019 12:36 AM

2019-11-24T00:36:19-05:00

Have a dentist examine you and have him..her..write a Nexus report. Stating that the surgery ie.. malpractice caused the injury... not may or might have but did...