Sarcoidosis decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, a left arm disorder, and a psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not establish an in-service event or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis was rated as 10 percent disabling prior to December 21, 2012, and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The effective date for the increase in evaluation is not specified.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis was found to have its inception during his period of active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.,His claim for a low back disability was reopened due to the submission of new evidence that relates to an unestablished fact (the continuity of symptomatology since service).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis with arthritis, celiac spruce and anemia (claimed as weakened/vulnerable immune system and stomach problems), diabetes mellitus, type II due to Agent Orange exposure, and peripheral neuropathy due to Agent Orange exposure and service-connected disabilities has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion regarding whether sarcoidosis is related to service or if it was proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for sarcoidosis with bronchiectasis is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for sarcoidosis and glaucoma has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Veteran's asthma/bronchitis was rated at 60 percent from October 9, 2007 to September 25, 2008. From September 26, 2008, he is rated at 100 percent for chronic bronchitis due to his sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including clarification of medication use and identification of specific dates when corticosteroids were used.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's service records regarding his claimed firefighting duties. The VA will seek an independent assessment of a certificate indicating he served as a firefighter, and verify if he was sent on assignment to 'Camp Roberts,' California.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including rescheduling VA examinations and obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis of the liver is found to have had its onset during service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, sarcoidosis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and MDD), glaucoma, and chronic sinusitis are all service-connected based on direct evidence of their onset during military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for sarcoidosis with asthma and granted this claim on the merits.,Service connection is now established for sarcoidosis with asthma.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine if his sarcoidosis, prostate disability, and hypertension are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claimed sarcoidosis and bronchiectasis were not incurred in or aggravated by service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The Board finds the VA examination opinion is highly probative as it considers all relevant evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to unclear opinions and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 100% disability rating for pulmonary sarcoidosis, effective February 1, 2010. The claim of entitlement to a TDIU is moot due to the restoration of the higher rating.