Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel and treatment records. The appeal is not about service connection.

The Veteran's left foot disability, including hallux rigidus and metatarsalgia, has been rated at 30 percent since September 26, 2008. The temporary total rating for convalescence following surgery on September 26, 2008 was granted until September 2009.

The Veteran was diagnosed with a variant of ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease in 2001, and the Board found that this condition is presumptively service-connected due to its development after discharge. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility to nonservice-connected death pension benefits as her spouse did not have the required military service to qualify for VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a liver disorder, to include as secondary to his service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis, has been denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's helpless child is entitled to an apportionment of up to 20 percent of the Veteran's VA disability compensation, with adjustments for each year during the period under review.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a right mandible fracture with myofascial pain dysfunction and traumatic arthritis of the temporomandibular joints was granted, with a final effective date of November 19, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for a separate rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the face other than tooth damage is REMANDED. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a not otherwise specified mood disorder and assigned an effective date of November 1, 2007. The Veteran's basic eligibility for VA improved pension benefits is established.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of VA benefits due to a separation prior to the Veteran's death, which was not caused by the Veteran's misconduct.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for penile carcinoma was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the condition did not manifest within one year after separation from service. The Board found that the cancer is not related to his active duty service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to asbestos during service and whether his current respiratory disorder, including asbestosis, is related to such exposure. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 8, 2007 for the award of aid and attendance benefits due to the appellant's need for assistance with daily activities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's macular degeneration is due to service, and thus granted his claim for service connection. The rod-cone dystrophy was found not to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for colon cancer and colon polyps have been denied. The Board finds no current disability or symptoms of a disability that would warrant service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant and the Veteran did not establish a valid common law marriage prior to November [redacted], 2007, which is required for her to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA benefit purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a hearing. Service connection and increased rating claims are pending.

The Veteran is found to be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance based on his military service, despite some discrepancies in the characterization of his active duty.

The Veteran's arthritis of the right hand is rated at 10 percent, effective November 17, 2008. The skin rash claim was not granted as there is no current diagnosis or signs and symptoms.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA death benefits as her deceased husband did not have any qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces.