Sarcoidosis decisions — 2021

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis of both lungs, finding that his in-service exposure to solvents and chemicals during military service is at least as likely as not a contributing factor to his current condition.

The Veteran's adenocarcinoma, left parotid gland and sarcoidosis are granted service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board found that there is at least as likely as not a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a respiratory disorder, esophageal cancer, and residuals of a gallbladder removal due to unresolved medical opinions regarding potential exposure to Agent Orange, asbestos, and oil fumes during service.

The Veteran's cutaneous sarcoidosis with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is granted an increased rating of 60 percent beginning August 27, 2007. The Veteran's sarcoidosis is also granted a 30 percent rating beginning March 9, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain, left knee strain, and multiple joint manifestations of sarcoidosis were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or functional loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to January 7, 2013.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain new opinions regarding service connection for respiratory disorder, neurological disorder, and skin disorder. The issues have been recharacterized as separate claims.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, finding that the Veteran's symptoms in service were early manifestations of his later diagnosed condition.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 1, 2021 for the award of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits. The Appellant's claim for earlier effective dates is denied as a matter of law.

The Board has denied service connection for bronchitis and sarcoidosis, finding that the evidence does not support a relationship to service. The Veteran's claims of exposure to cleaning chemicals were not addressed as they are not part of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's sarcoidosis is related to service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is being remanded for a determination on whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, including the need for additional treatment records and VA opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his respiratory condition and cervical adenopathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure and service connection for sarcoidosis. The case will be reviewed again with additional research into potential exposures.

The Board has remanded the cases of sarcoidosis and asthma for further development, including a VA examination to determine their etiology. The Veteran's service connection claims are not based on presumptions or new evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient clarity in a previous opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sarcoidosis is related to his conceded exposure to particulate matter and/or burning oil well fires.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis increased in severity from December 12, 2018, warranting a 10% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for tinnitus, right knee disability, sarcoidosis, and TBI due to incomplete service records. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain in-service treatment records from Germany where the Veteran was stationed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, skin rashes / lesions (most recently claimed as skin condition), asthma, and degenerative disc disease of the lower back. These issues are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service.