Sarcoidosis decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sarcoidosis began during service and is related to service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for pulmonary sarcoidosis and a TDIU due to service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis are being remanded as the current record is inadequate, and further VA examination is needed. The claim for a TDIU is inextricably intertwined with the claims for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for headaches, claimed as migraine headaches, is granted. The remaining claims are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA skin diseases examination to determine if any current skin disability is related to service or chloracne. The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lymphoma and/or sarcoidosis, as well as his attempts to reopen previously denied claims for a skin rash and numbness of the upper and lower extremities, were denied. The Board also remanded the issues regarding hypertension and headaches for further development.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that the Veteran's January 2006 withdrawal of his appeal was valid and thus he is precluded from obtaining an earlier effective date.

The Veteran is seeking an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for sarcoidosis prior to June 3, 1996, and a TDIU effective before that date.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disability, including as due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, including sarcoidosis and obstructive sleep apnea. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence. The medical opinion supports a finding that exposure during active duty caused an immunological response leading to sarcoidosis, which contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the service member's sarcoidosis, which was aggravated by his military service and exposure to environmental hazards, contributed substantially or materially to his death. The Board finds in favor of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and there is credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred. The claim for sarcoidosis is denied due to lack of medical nexus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral toenail infection, onychomycosis, has been granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise and resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete personnel records and deficient notice provided by VA. The appellant's claim for benefits will be reconsidered with all relevant evidence considered.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is related to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board has also found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depression and PTSD) were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and an unknown issue regarding sarcoidosis.