Sarcoidosis decisions — 2005

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's asthma, sarcoidosis, and bronchitis and her active military service. The claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neurosarcoidosis and a temporary total rating based on hospitalization for nonservice-connected neurosarcoidosis in January and February 2000, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking her neurosarcoidosis to service or her service-connected diabetes mellitus. The veteran's TTR claim is precluded by law as she was not hospitalized for her service-connected diabetes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of asthma as secondary to his sarcoidosis and also denied a request for an earlier effective date for the 60% rating for fungal infections. The veteran was not provided proper VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for sarcoidosis and service connection for left wrist and thumb disorders, finding that the current evaluation adequately reflects his condition.

The veteran's neurosarcoidosis and headaches are service-connected due to their presumptive relationship with her military service. She is also granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for sarcoidosis, finding that his condition did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board finds that the veteran's sarcoidosis with uveitis was incurred in service, giving the benefit of doubt to her claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and verifying his periods of service. His claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits requires further examination to determine the severity of his disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied. His generalized anxiety disorder is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, while his pulmonary sarcoidosis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder (sarcoidosis) and basal cell carcinoma, both of which are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the case requires additional development due to the need for a nexus opinion regarding the veteran's current disabilities and their relationship to his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to TDIU and eligibility for DEA, effective July 20, 1989. The RO found that as of this date it was factually ascertainable that the veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded employment.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected hilar sarcoidosis, which was initially rated as noncompensable and later granted a 10 percent rating effective from May 10, 1990. The case is now being remanded to ensure compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has granted the veteran's request for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA compensation in the original amount of $8,824. The decision is based on the veteran's service-connected conditions and his total disability due to PTSD, which led to a declaration of incompetency.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective date for service connection, finding that there was no communication or action indicating intent to pursue sarcoidosis since the last final disallowance in December 1982.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, but it remains denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to active service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the issue regarding service connection for a kidney disorder associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis due to the appellant's withdrawal.,VA determined that arteriosclerotic heart disease is not proximately due to or the result of service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical evidence and a need to review the onset of the veteran's sarcoidosis in service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new cardio-pulmonary examination and an opinion on his ability to work due to service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disorder, psychiatric disorder, and sarcoidosis. The claim to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for alcoholism is also denied.