Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus and bilateral hammertoes are not related to his service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits is denied as he did not have service during a period of war, which is required for basic eligibility.

The Veteran's lung disorder and right leg arthritis are not service-connected. The lung disorder is presumed to be due to his smoking habit, while the right leg arthritis is attributed to an injury sustained after service.

The appellant is granted an extension of her delimiting date for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code, to cover the period from May 14, 2012, through August 2, 2012. Additionally, she may resume her program of education with VA assistance when financial hardship ceases.

The Board has granted service connection for stress incontinence and bladder infection, finding that the Veteran's symptoms first manifested during active service. The compensable ratings for allergies and eczematoid dermatitis are remanded as new evidence was submitted since the last final rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pituitary adenoma did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for high cholesterol is denied because hypercholesterolemia or elevated serum (blood) cholesterol are not disabilities for which VA compensation benefits are payable.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left elbow arthritis and right hand arthritis are granted. The claim for increased ratings for right shoulder arthritis prior to September 24, 2009, and in excess of 20 percent from that date is denied due to failure to report for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the cause of his current health issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain pertinent VA treatment records and to schedule her for examinations to determine the severity of her major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, and paratubal cyst disabilities. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran. The appellant is entitled to this status based on continuous cohabitation despite a separation due to the Veteran's alcoholism.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any genitourinary disability. The Veteran's claim remains on appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hand tremors and is now considering whether this condition was incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical opinions and VA examinations for the Veteran's sleep disorder and right shin splints claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot condition, including obtaining relevant post-service treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left eye disability and whether it is related to service. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's genital herpes simplex has been evaluated as zero percent disabling since January 4, 2010. The condition does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Rating Schedule).

The Board denied the Appellant's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted sufficient to reopen a claim of entitlement to recognition as the Veteran's child.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a supplemental VA medical opinion. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's surviving spouse did not have any pending claims before VA at the time of her death, and therefore, the appellant is not eligible for accrued benefits.