Sarcoidosis decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective September 17, 2002. The Board has determined that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of her condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic lung disability other than sarcoidosis and an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for low back strain. The case is being remanded to provide the Veteran with a VA examination, issue a statement of the case regarding the low back strain claim, and readjudicate the claims based on all evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship between his hypertension and service-connected conditions, as well as an assessment of whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for sarcoidosis and granted it, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted to support the claim.

The Board has determined that additional development of the evidence is required before a decision can be made on the Veteran's TDIU claim, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess her ability to secure gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of sarcoidosis, left knee retropatellar syndrome, left mid-femur scar, and exostosis (bone spur) of the left mid-femur. The decision also noted that the Veteran's sarcoidosis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board finds that the appellant's service-connected pulmonary disability, characterized by pulmonary hypertension (PHTN), warrants a 100 percent evaluation since April 20, 2004.

The Veteran does not have chronic upper respiratory infections or pneumonia related to service, nor is there evidence of exposure to asbestos, radiation, paint, or other substances that could cause these conditions. The Board finds no basis for granting service connection in this case.

The Board granted service connection for essential hypertension and assigned a noncompensable disability rating, effective February 1, 2007. The Veteran disagrees with the assigned rating and has requested a statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a back condition, a left knee condition, and chronic sinusitis are also inextricably intertwined with the main claim.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for the 2010 calendar year due to his service-connected skin disorder causing permanent stains on his clothes.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection and rating for various conditions are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and medical examination, including records of treatment by private physicians and VA records from specific time periods. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sarcoidosis is not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides and asbestos. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a compensable initial rating for sarcoidosis.

The Board found that the Veteran did not contract a respiratory disease or sustain relevant injury during his military service, and there is no evidence of continuous symptoms from separation until diagnosis. The claim for dental treatment was also denied as he failed to file a timely claim.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for sarcoidosis and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including another VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disability, but the claim is denied as there is no competent evidence linking the current respiratory disabilities to active service or asbestos exposure.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a respiratory disorder which began in service or is etiologically related to active service. The claim for sarcoidosis will be remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause her death from a myocardial infarction, concluding that dysthymia was more likely the primary or contributory cause of her death.