Sarcoidosis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's left hemothorax and small mediastinum with sarcoidosis, which was included in his previously service-connected condition, is rated at a 30 percent disability level from July 31, 2007 to September 24, 2009. This rating is based on the Veteran's persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose corticosteroids.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer has been reopened and granted. The Veteran's sarcoidosis rating is increased to 60 percent, but no higher.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his right lung sarcoidosis. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's asthma was related to radiation exposure or secondary to his service-connected sarcoidosis, nor could it be established as directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left lower extremity tarsal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of stroke is being remanded due to the inextricability with her other claims, including service connection for a heart disorder and sarcoidosis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for right lower extremity disability, to include as secondary to service-connected LLE tarsal tunnel syndrome, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion on etiology.,The Veteran's claim for sinusitis is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the inextricability with her other claims, including service connection for a heart disorder and sarcoidosis.,The Veteran's claim for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its onset during service.,The Veteran's claim for left shoulder rotator cuff (RTC) tendonitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion on etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis is rated at 30 percent, which requires low dose corticosteroids and corresponds to a COPD rating.

The Veteran's application for a grant of specially adapted housing or special home adaptation was denied as he does not meet the criteria under VA regulations, specifically due to his service-connected sarcoidosis not being caused by an inhalation injury.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus due to lack of new and material evidence, as the Veteran's statements about in-service noise exposure were not considered new.,The Board found no current diagnosis of sarcoidosis and denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis requires him to use continuous outpatient oxygen therapy and makes him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, resulting in a TDIU rating from May 24, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for squamous cell carcinoma of the head/neck and sarcoidosis have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral sarcoid uveitis and right eye exotropia, as well as residuals of sarcoidosis, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's death is related to his service, including any treatment he received for sarcoidosis.

The Board denied a rating greater than 30 percent for pulmonary sarcoidosis prior to January 27, 2016 due to lack of evidence showing systemic high dose corticosteroids or PFT test results.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sarcoidosis, back pain, PTSD, and a pulmonary condition due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's STRs are silent on his current conditions, but he provided testimony indicating that his injuries occurred during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disability, multi-joint aches and pains, and prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain additional evidence, including SPRs and any other relevant records, to determine if the Veteran’s unit participated in missions to Vietnam.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis and osteoporosis are granted service connection.,Service connection for secondary osteoporosis is also granted. The Board has remanded the remaining issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is aggravated by his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his bronchial condition (claimed as sarcoidosis) due to a lack of evidence showing that it began during active duty or was related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as he has an associate degree and prior work experience. The Board finds that the Veteran is able to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.