Sarcoidosis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's sarcoidosis claim was denied as the evidence did not support a finding of pulmonary involvement with persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose or intermittent corticosteroids.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim was also denied, as his average puretone threshold in both pre- and post-bronchodilator tests were below 45 decibels.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD, emphysema, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and sarcoidosis, was rated at 10 percent prior to June 4, 2010. From June 4, 2010, to August 28, 2014, the rating was increased to 30 percent. Since August 29, 2014, a 100 percent initial rating has been granted due to episodes of acute respiratory failure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA treatment records, SSA records, and examination reports being needed. The issues include back disability, respiratory disability (sarcoidosis), sleep disability (sleep apnea), left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient etiological opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed sarcoidosis and its relation to service, specifically exposure to asbestos and/or mold in showers.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the injury occurred outside of an eligible period of active service.,The Board also denied service connection for sarcoidosis, concluding that there is no evidence linking the current condition to active service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed sarcoidosis, given his in-service treatment for respiratory issues and post-service symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the other issues are remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for pancreatic cancer and sarcoidosis due to in-service burn pit exposure. The appellant is seeking service connection on a secondary basis for her husband's death, which was caused by conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and other health issues.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied prior to April 9, 2018 and dismissed from that date onwards due to his combined disability rating of 100 percent. The SMC based on housebound status is also denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sarcoidosis, sickle cell anemia, bilateral hearing loss, vision disability, flat feet, acquired psychiatric disability, insomnia, heart disability, hepatitis C, and kidney disability is granted with effective dates ranging from November 25, 2013 to the date of grant. The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found the evidence supported a finding that the tinnitus is related to active service, including in-service noise exposure. Service connection for sarcoidosis is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents and insufficient medical evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Board denied reopening service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence was not received to establish a relationship between the Veteran's cause of death (respiratory failure) and service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's multi-joint arthritis of the shoulders, hands, and knees was rated at 40 percent prior to April 8, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.,For the period prior to November 26, 2019, the Veteran's sarcoid arthropathy of both knees warranted an initial compensable rating (10%) due to complaints and medical evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for bronchitis and central nervous system sarcoidosis due to inadequate opinions in the May 2022 VA examinations. The Veteran's respiratory disability is suspected but not confirmed, and there are no records of treatment within one year post-service.

The Board found the reduction from 100 to 30 percent for pulmonary sarcoidosis was proper, but later determined this decision contained legal errors and revised it to restore the 100 percent rating.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for sarcoidosis and migraine headaches before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's right hand fracture resulting in first metacarpal joint osteoarthritis (dominant) is rated at 10 percent from December 12, 2014. Service connection for sarcoidosis is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if her respiratory disability and back, right knee, left knee, psychiatric (anxiety disorder), and skin disabilities are related to her active service.,VA examinations will be scheduled to address these issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for sarcoidosis has been denied, and the issue of TDIU prior to December 2, 2014, has been dismissed as moot due to his receipt of a total schedular rating.