Sarcoidosis decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's sarcoidosis was not related to his service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sarcoidosis of the skin with complaints of joint pain, bilateral heel spurs with arthritis of the tarsal bone, and hypertension were denied as there is no evidence showing that any condition requires constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs during the past 12-month period. The rating schedule does not provide a separate rating for pain.

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis did not render him unable to secure or follow all types of substantially gainful occupations prior to May 21, 2009.

The Board found that sarcoidosis was not present in service or manifested within one year thereafter, and is not shown to be otherwise related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for sarcoidosis has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is service-connected due to asbestos exposure during active duty. The VA examiner found that asbestos exposure contributed to the development of the Veteran's obstructive lung disease, which includes both COPD and sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with portal fibrosis and cirrhosis was granted a rating of 30 percent prior to November 22, 2004. Beginning November 22, 2004, the Veteran is entitled to an increased rating of 50 percent for this condition. The Veteran's pulmonary sarcoidosis with dry eyes is rated at 60 percent since its onset.