Sarcoidosis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, ocular sarcoidosis, and left shoulder scar were reopened. Service connection was granted for the left shoulder scar but denied for prostate cancer and ocular sarcoidosis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability rating, service connection, earlier effective date, and TDIU due to withdrawal of appeal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 30 percent for granulomatous hepatitis consistent with sarcoidosis with bilateral hilar adenopathy is denied as the evidence does not show weight loss and hepatomegaly or incapacitating episodes lasting at least four weeks in duration in a twelve-month period.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for sarcoidosis and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has denied service connection for asthma and sarcoidosis, finding that the evidence does not support a link to service or exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's current diagnoses of asthma and sarcoidosis were first noted decades after his separation from service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an upper respiratory disability, to include sarcoidosis, finding that his current diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis was not related to active service and/or due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for restrictive lung disease and remanded the issues of service connection for unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis and sarcoidosis due to in-service exposure to tear gas. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the Veteran's cause of death due to metastatic colon carcinoma, but remanded for further development as a medical opinion is needed regarding whether his service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VA treatment records, potential herbicide agent exposure at Fort McClellan, and possible chemical exposure. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if her sarcoidosis is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to missing records, need for new examinations, and the need for VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause and etiology of the Veteran's current lung or respiratory condition, including sarcoidosis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a lung or respiratory condition that he claims began during his military service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for residuals of asbestos exposure, including asbestosis and sarcoidosis, is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a respiratory disorder due to in-service chemical exposures.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left ear hearing loss, a respiratory condition (including bronchitis), sarcoidosis, and heart disease (including systolic murmur, grade 1 over aortic valve) due to incomplete records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back disability, sarcoidosis, carpal tunnel syndrome (both upper extremities), and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Degenerative Joint Disease of the Cervical Spine was denied. However, his Sarcoidosis condition received a 30% disability rating effective September 2, 2015.

Allergic rhinitis and multiple joint pains (fibromyalgia) are granted. Service connection for lower back disability is reopened, but denied. Service connection for sarcoidosis and gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) as due to Gulf War illness are remanded.,PTSD rating in excess of 30 percent is remanded, as well as ratings for external hemorrhoids and sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the March 2004 rating decision denying service connection for asthma as secondary to sarcoidosis is not final, and the appellant's claim of reopening the previously denied claim should be considered. The Board also found that a remand is necessary due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the appellant's asthma.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated treatment records and conduct a respiratory examination to determine the functional effects of his service-connected sarcoidosis on employment.

The Board has denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, including sarcoidosis and COPD, as well as asthma. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.