Sarcoidosis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sarcoidosis has been reopened and is now considered.

The Veteran's PTSD and dysthymic disorder, sarcoidosis, residuals of hepatitis B, right knee arthritis, and left knee arthritis are currently rated as 70 percent for PTSD and dysthymic disorder, 10 percent for sarcoidosis, no rating assigned for the other conditions. The appeals for increased ratings for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sarcoidosis with renal involvement does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran died from sarcoid heart disease, which the Board found was not service-connected. The cause of death is attributed to a condition that manifested years after service and for which there is no evidence of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, respiratory disorders (to include bronchial asthma and sarcoidosis), lumbar arthritis with disc disease, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and TDIU were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for an updated VA examination. The Veteran seeks a higher rating for his service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, but denied an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for sarcoidosis polyarthropathy is being remanded due to the need for further action by his representative and potential additional development of the claims file.

The Veteran seeks service connection for sarcoidosis, which is not related to active duty exposure. The case must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and outstanding Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and sarcoidosis are being reviewed.

The Veteran's lung disorder and skin condition are being remanded for further examination to determine their etiology. The Veteran also has a history of shortness of breath in service, which may be related to his current restrictive lung disease.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities, left and right ankle disabilities, and hypertension were dismissed due to withdrawal. The Veteran does not have moderate limitation of motion in his ankles or any significant pulmonary symptoms related to sarcoidosis. His hypertension requires continuous medication but does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected calcified node of the left lung does not cause any pulmonary disability, and thus, there is no appropriate respiratory analogy to evaluate this condition for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis, left knee and sarcoidosis. The Veteran's claims remain denied.

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