Sarcoidosis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for sleep apnea was denied.,Service connection for tinnitus and asthma were both denied, while service connection for headaches was granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for sarcoidosis of the lungs and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to new and material evidence. The cases are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis is currently rated at 60 percent from September 26, 2015. The Board found that the condition more closely approximates persistent symptoms requiring systemic high dose (therapeutic) corticosteroids for control.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis is not related to service, including exposure to contaminated water and/or asbestos at Camp Lejeune.,Multiple myeloma is not confirmed. The examiner will determine if POEMS syndrome is multiple myeloma or falls under the category of multiple myeloma and provide an opinion on its relationship to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,POEMS syndrome is not related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Veteran's thyroid condition, including as secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and POEMS syndrome, is not related to service.,The Veteran's kidney condition, including as secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and POEMS syndrome, is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the qualifications of the VA examiner and the need for further development regarding the Veteran's exposure to dust during helicopter operations in Vietnam.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for sarcoidosis due to new and material evidence submitted by the appellant. The Veteran's death certificate lists 'acute respiratory failure' as the cause of death, which may be related to his sarcoidosis.,The VA is required to obtain an addendum opinion from a qualified clinician regarding whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's sarcoidosis was caused by asbestos exposure during service. The VA must also provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's sarcoidosis, if found service connected, was a cause of his death.

The Veteran's claims for extension of the temporary total evaluation and increased evaluations for his service-connected conditions are remanded due to incomplete adjudication and need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis warrants a compensable disability rating prior to October 22, 2019 and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent therefrom. The issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sarcoidosis and synechia of the left eye with bilateral cataracts due to new evidence received after the January 2021 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and his sarcoidosis is rated at 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right hip disability, finding that it was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability and sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his dermatophytosis of the feet, stomach/ulcer condition, sarcoidosis, and pain in chest and ribs.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are not related to his military service, and the Board denies service connection for this condition. The Veteran's sarcoidosis is also denied as it did not manifest in service or within one year of separation from service. The Veteran's hypertension and back disability have been granted ratings, but the rating for mood disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis was granted with an effective date of February 20, 2013. The initial rating for sarcoidosis is being remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition, sarcoidosis, and residuals of cataract extraction are granted service connection. The Veteran is awarded a higher rating for his thoracic aorta condition from September 19, 2012 onwards.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, excluding sarcoidosis, have rendered him unable to perform daily activities without assistance. He is granted SMC(l) based on aid and attendance from August 2, 2005, to August 16, 2010, as well as SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for CFS is denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of CFS and the evidence did not support a finding that it was related to service or Persian Gulf service. For sarcoidosis, lung disease, and psychiatric disability claims, additional examination and opinion are needed as they may be related to service.

The Veteran's request for restoration of the 60 percent rating for sarcoidosis is granted, and his claim for service connection for a keloid scar condition is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining her complete service personnel records and service treatment records. The Veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to determine the current severity of her service-connected photophobia and headaches, as well as whether any of her other disabilities are related to her active duty service in the United States Army Reserve.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's pulmonary sarcoidosis prior to January 27, 2016, finding that there was no evidence of high-dose corticosteroids required for control during this period.