Bruxism DVA Points: What Your Impairment Assessment Means for Compensation
You're grinding your teeth at night, waking with jaw pain, and wondering how DVA assesses this condition for compensation. If you're trying to understand bruxism DVA points and how they affect your permanent impairment claim, you're not alone. Many veterans struggle to find clear information about how teeth grinding translates into impairment points. The truth is, while bruxism itself doesn't have a specific point value in DVA's assessment tables, it can contribute significantly to your overall impairment rating through related conditions like temporomandibular disorder. Let's break down exactly how DVA calculates impairment points for bruxism and what this means for your compensation.
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How DVA Assigns Points for Bruxism-Related Conditions
While bruxism doesn't have its own impairment point value, DVA assesses it through related conditions under the Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation (GARP), particularly when chronic teeth grinding leads to damage in the jaw joint.
According to DVA's current classification system, bruxism is considered a mental health condition, but its physical consequences are assessed for impairment points based on their functional impact.
The 10-Point Threshold Explained
Here's what many veterans don't realise: you need to reach 10 impairment points minimum for initial permanent impairment compensation under MRCA. This means your bruxism-related TMD alone might not meet the threshold, but when combined with other accepted conditions, it can push you over the line.
For example:
PTSD: 10-30 points (depending on severity)
TMD from bruxism: 5-15 points
Hearing loss: 5-10 points
Combined total: Potentially 20-55 points
Once you've received initial compensation, any future worsening only needs an increase of 5 impairment points for additional compensation.
The Mental Health Connection and Point Calculation
Since DVA classifies bruxism as a mental health condition based on international convention, recognising this connection is key to maximising your points.
Veterans with accepted mental health conditions often have bruxism as a secondary condition. The impairment points combine under GARP M's assessment system.
Primary Condition Points
Your primary mental health condition (PTSD, anxiety, depression) carries its own impairment points based on functional assessment:
Severe conditions with major functional impact: Higher point ranges
Moderate conditions affecting daily life: Mid-range points
Mild conditions with limited impact: Lower point ranges
Secondary Physical Manifestations
Bruxism's physical effects add additional points through:
TMD functional limitations assessed under musculoskeletal tables
Dental damage requiring extensive treatment
Sleep disruption affecting daily functioning
Chronic pain impacting quality of life
Recent Changes Affecting Your Points Assessment
In December 2024, DVA streamlined the claims process for dental attrition from bruxism. While this doesn't directly change point allocations, it means faster processing and recognition of bruxism's dental consequences.
This streamlining acknowledges what we've been advocating for years, that bruxism causes real, measurable damage that deserves proper compensation.
Calculating Your Potential Bruxism DVA Points
Let's be clear about how your bruxism impacts your total impairment score:
Lifestyle Rating Factor
Your impairment points combine with a lifestyle rating (0-7) that reflects how your condition affects:
Work capacity
Social interactions
Daily living activities
Sleep quality
A veteran with 15 impairment points and a lifestyle rating of 4 receives different compensation than someone with the same points but a lifestyle rating of 2.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
We see veterans lose out on rightful impairment points because of these errors:
Treating Bruxism in Isolation
Always link it to your accepted mental health conditions for proper assessment.
Inadequate documentation: A dentist noting "teeth grinding" isn't enough; you need functional assessments.
Missing the Mental Health Connection
Since DVA classifies bruxism as mental health-related, this link should be documented.
Not Claiming Secondary Conditions
TMD, headaches, and sleep disruption from bruxism all contribute to your points.
Your Service Type Affects Point Values
The same impairment points result in different compensation based on your service type:
Warlike service: Highest compensation rates
Non-warlike service: Moderate compensation rates
Peacetime service: Standard compensation rates
For example, 20 impairment points from warlike service provide higher fortnightly payments than the same points from peacetime service, though the maximum compensation cap remains identical.
The Gold Card Threshold: 60 Points
Many veterans don't realise that reaching 60 impairment points qualifies you for a Gold Card. While bruxism alone won't get you there, combined with other conditions, it contributes to reaching this significant threshold.
Gold Card benefits include:
Full dental coverage for all bruxism damage
No annual monetary limits
Complete healthcare coverage
Additional concessions and benefits
Our Gold & White Cards service helps veterans understand their pathway to these benefits.
Treatment Coverage While Building Points
Even before reaching compensation thresholds, your accepted bruxism entitles you to treatment:
White Card Coverage
If bruxism is accepted on your White Card:
Mouth guards (occlusal splints) covered
Mental health treatment for underlying causes
Limited dental treatment for accepted conditions
Annual Monetary Limits
Be aware of the $2,920.05 annual limit for high-cost dental items. This affects crowns, bridges, and extensive repairs from bruxism damage.
Supporting Evidence That Strengthens Point Claims
DVA assessors look for specific evidence when calculating bruxism-related points:
Clinical Findings
X-rays showing tooth wear patterns
TMJ imaging demonstrating joint damage
Documented jaw clicking, locking, or deviation
Muscle tenderness assessments
Functional Impact Documentation
Difficulty eating normal foods
Speech impediments from jaw dysfunction
Sleep partner statements about grinding sounds
Work limitations due to jaw pain
Mental Health Treatment and Point Reassessment
DVA acknowledges bruxism as a mental health condition; continuing psychological treatment may influence your points.
Veterans receiving treatment for PTSD and related conditions often see improvement in bruxism symptoms. However, this doesn't necessarily reduce your impairment points if permanent damage has occurred.
Reassessment Triggers
You can request reassessment if:
Your condition worsens by 5+ points
New related conditions develop
Treatment hasn't improved function
Why Professional Guidance Matters for Point Maximisation
The complexity of bruxism DVA points calculations means many veterans miss out on rightful compensation. We've seen veterans with severe TMD receiving minimal points because they didn't understand the assessment criteria.
At Veterans First Consulting, we:
Identify and claim all related conditions
Confirm medical evidence meets DVA requirements
Document functional limitations accurately
Establish links to mental health where applicable
Our experience with DVA claims means we know exactly how assessors calculate points and what evidence carries weight.
Secure the Recognition You Deserve
Bruxism can seriously affect your life, and your DVA claim should reflect its actual impact. Veterans First Consulting specialises in assisting veterans with DVA claims and will carefully review your bruxism case so that all relevant impairments are properly considered. Don’t settle for an undervalued outcome. Contact Veterans First Consulting today, and let’s work together to secure the compensation you’ve earned through your service.
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