Sarcoidosis decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, denied service connection for sarcoidosis and hypogonadism, denied service connection for high cholesterol and hypoglycemia, granted an effective date prior to October 6, 2011 for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, and granted TDIU prior to June 14, 2014. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's service connection claim remains pending.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis with pulmonary involvement is rated at 60 percent effective March 12, 2015. The Veteran's conjunctivitis is not active and does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran seeks a higher initial rating for his service-connected sarcoidosis. The case is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis and colon cancer is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The Veteran served in Vietnam, which establishes his exposure to herbicide agents. His sarcoidosis may be related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, right knee disorder (arthritis), prostate condition, and sarcoidosis are related to service. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is presumed due to his military service in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. The right knee disorder, prostate condition, and sarcoidosis were not present until after service.

The Veteran's current evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are granted as aggravated by diabetes mellitus. Service connection is also granted for glaucoma secondary to diabetes.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, effective from May 7, 2007 to December 13, 2010.