Sarcoidosis decisions — 2020

The appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease, to an increased evaluation for depression, and to an effective date prior to November 28, 2006, for the grant of Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is dismissed. The issue of TDIU prior to November 28, 2006, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sarcoidosis and emphysema due to outstanding federal records, including SSA disability records and exposure verification. The Veteran's statements, private treatment records, military personnel records, and articles discussing sarcoidosis among Navy personnel are also needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current eye disabilities are related to his active military service, including reported light sensitivity and headaches during service.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death is related to his service, specifically exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. However, due to insufficient detail in the examination report, a remand is required for further evaluation.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sarcoidosis, which is claimed as service-connected.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for neurosarcoidosis, finding that the evidence does not support a direct or secondary relationship to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, status post left rotator cuff repair with partial tearing with degenerative changes and bursitis, sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The cases are remanded due to new evidence received since the last final rating decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis and an eye disability, including retinal detachment and recurrent iritis. The case must be remanded to verify all periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA and ascertain the Veteran’s complete STRs and personnel records from active duty and reserve duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation and a rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected sarcoidosis is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the nature, symptoms, and severity of the condition throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sarcoidosis and chronic kidney/renal disease due to herbicide exposure as there is insufficient competent medical evidence to make a decision. A medical opinion from an independent expert at a medical school, university, or clinic is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sarcoidosis and its relationship to service. Additional medical opinions are needed to address continuity of symptoms, Gulf War service connection, and environmental exposures.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, a rating in excess of 30 percent for sarcoidosis, and TDIU are all being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis and hypertension are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The Board requires an examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, including consideration of her in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and inadequate examination. The Veteran's sarcoidosis is being reviewed for possible exposure to herbicide agents, chemicals, and other environmental toxins during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and unclear periods of active duty. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions, including back condition, neck condition, neuropathy of the left upper extremity (LUE), and sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were remanded due to the need for additional development and evaluation.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis has worsened since his last VA examination, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition. The issue of TDIU prior to February 15, 2017, is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.