Sarcoidosis decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for vocational training services under Chapter 31, Title 38 was denied as he already had the necessary qualifications and education to secure employment in a suitable occupation.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The VA determined that the appellant's sarcoidosis did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as there was no demonstration of pulmonary involvement requiring chronic low dose or intermittent corticosteroids.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, status post laparoscopic radical prostectomy was denied. The Board found that there is no current disability of sarcoidosis or evidence of a relationship between service and current adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

The Veteran's service-connected hypersensitivity of the soles of both feet with associated calluses and sarcoidosis have been rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of the January 2002 rating decision.

The Board found that the evidence did not reflect a nexus between sarcoidosis and service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the need to verify his reported Turkey service and obtain an opinion on whether sarcoidosis onset during service or is causally related to service, including service in Turkey.

The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 15, 2010 and does not warrant a rating greater than 10 percent since that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, sarcoidosis, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, and COPD were denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal involves the initial evaluation of sarcoidosis and earlier effective dates for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, and costochondritis. The case is being remanded to obtain a comprehensive VA examination and review of the record.

The Board granted service connection for sarcoidosis in January 2009, and the RO awarded past-due benefits from this grant. The attorney's fees are reasonable based on a 20% contingent fee of the award amount.

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder, but denied the remaining claims on appeal. The Veteran's original claims file is presumed destroyed due to Hurricane Ike in September 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected sarcoidosis with pulmonary and renal involvement.

The Board found the reduction in rating from 60 percent to noncompensable for sarcoidosis and COPD improper, as both conditions were originally service-connected and rated together. The denial of service connection for COPD was also deemed improper.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis. The claim for an increased evaluation of osteoporosis of the lumbar spine is denied, but the effective date for TDIU is granted.

The Board has decided the case needs additional development and remands it back to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's lung disorder, including sarcoidosis and asthma, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine its likely etiology due to asbestos exposure during service. The RO must also obtain all outstanding medical records from the Jamaica Plain VAMC and private treatment facilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his pulmonary sarcoidosis with asthmatic bronchitis was granted, effective July 24, 2009. He is now rated at 60 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for sarcoidosis with lesions involving ocular, pulmonary, and hepatic systems was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6846.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, or a respiratory disability manifested by spots in the lungs to include sarcoidosis that is attributable to her military service. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was found to be related to treatment for otitis externa during active duty.