Sarcoidosis decisions — 2016

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's bladder disorder, skin disorder of the hands, erectile dysfunction, and increased ratings for sarcoidosis and fecal incontinence. The claims for prostate cancer, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and a heart condition were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. Effective dates earlier than February 25, 2009 for TDIU and DEA benefits were granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current sarcoidosis disability is not related to his active service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render her unemployable due to substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the appellant's skin disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and hearing loss. The case is therefore being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss, foot disability, leg disability, sarcoidosis, migraine headaches, gynecological disability requiring hysterectomy, or back disability. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is also denied as there is no evidence of a psychosis within one year of separation from service and no continuity of symptomatology since then.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional information regarding his exposure to herbicides and to determine the relationship between his claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the need for a travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for sarcoidosis and diabetes mellitus are also being addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disability, diagnosed as sarcoidosis, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and sarcoidosis are currently rated at 50 percent, with the use of a breathing assistance device for sleep apnea. Sarcoidosis is rated based on its pulmonary involvement.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including pulmonary sarcoidosis, is being remanded for further development and a VA examination to determine if it is related to his military service, specifically his exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective April 20, 1998. The Board found that the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability occurred for purposes of assigning an earlier effective date.