Sarcoidosis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of prostate cancer (CAP), diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (PN) of the right lower extremity, lung condition including sarcoidosis, eye disorders and diseases, hypertension, and dermopathy other than melanoma are granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and sarcoidosis (lung disease), finding that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for an earlier effective date and a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss have been withdrawn.,A higher rating for the Veteran’s service-connected left knee disability is denied as there is no evidence of limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously-denied claims for service connection for scars to face and hands, and sarcoidosis. The evidence received was not new and material.

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, type II, diabetic neuropathy (upper and lower extremities), and anterior crural nerve disabilities are remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for various conditions and issues related to PTSD, TDIU, and special monthly compensation. Additional development is needed, such as obtaining VA treatment records, Social Security Administration disability records, and verifying in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for pulmonary sarcoidosis and remanded the issue of service connection for glaucoma, to include as secondary to chronic asthma.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the awards of service connection for sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic nephropathy with chronic kidney disease as there was no prior claim received within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding her claims of service connection for various conditions, including burn scars of the face, depression and anxiety disorder, right knee condition, left knee condition, sarcoidosis, left hand condition, and facial twitches.,Effective date prior to January 21, 2014, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, type II and skin disability, due to in-service exposure to herbicides. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran’s assertions of in-service herbicide exposure and provide VA examinations to determine the dates of initial onset and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected sarcoidosis and its medications. The VA will need to provide a supplemental opinion from a somnologist or pulmonologist.

The Board has remanded the case to address whether a separate disability rating should be assigned for fatigue associated with the service-connected sarcoidosis, and to determine the appropriate diagnostic code to rate the Veteran's fatigue.

The Board has reconsidered the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, type II, PTSD, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, residuals of a recurrent anal fissure, sarcoidosis with sleep apnea, hypertension, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and cyst removal scar. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination results and requests for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, PTSD, chronic cephalgia, and right eye conjunctival laceration is granted. The claims for increased ratings for right knee instability and right knee strain with limited flexion and painful motion are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need to address service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, which may be related to exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service or secondary to his service-connected sarcoidosis. A VA examination is needed to determine this.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an upper respiratory disability and sarcoidosis, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records, including those from private facilities and VA treatment centers, and schedule a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicides, as well as his claim for pain in the chest and ribs related to his hypertension. The cases are being remanded for further development including VA examinations.