Sarcoidosis decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case for an in-person respiratory examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its interdependence with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's asthma is granted as a presumptive disease associated with exposure to burn pits and other toxins under the PACT Act. Service connection for sarcoidosis remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability, including sarcoidosis, and for rectal cancer due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicides.,Service connection was not granted as there is no direct evidence showing that the Veteran's respiratory disability or rectal cancer began during his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a skin disability and sarcoidosis due to new evidence received since the previous decision. The Veteran's claim for sarcoidosis is denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking it to his active duty service.

The Veteran's stage 1 sarcoidosis is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The appeal period for this rating decision includes evidence submitted from July 6, 2018 to November 1, 2023.,The Veteran contends that his disability warrants a higher evaluation due to the use of systemic corticosteroids, specifically Methotrexate.

The Board has determined that VA did not fulfill its duty to assist regarding private treatment records and the most recent VA examinations are inadequate. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's prostatic tissue sarcoidosis is granted a 60% disability rating for the entire initial rating period on appeal, resolving doubt in his favor. The Veteran's sarcoidosis does not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has granted readjudication of the previously denied claim for service connection for pulmonary sarcoidosis due to the enactment of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act), which created additional rights that could materially change the resolution of the Veteran's claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis and sjogren syndrome due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his exposure to jet fuel during service. A VA TERA examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and a determination regarding asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and a determination regarding asbestos exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for sarcoidosis and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's symptoms and treatment during the claim period need further clarification.

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, and sarcoidosis. The Board is seeking clarification on whether these conditions are related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sarcoidosis, right shoulder disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea due to potential service connection based on Gulf War exposure. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Howard Regional Hospital System from May 19, 2005, to May 31, 2005, are granted as the treatment was for a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention and no VA facility was feasibly available.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for sarcoidosis and obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to inadequate pre-decisional examinations. Separate ratings are requested based on distinct disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for pulmonary sarcoidosis is denied.

The Veteran's appeal to revise the June 2007 and April 2011 rating decisions was denied. The June 2007 decision did not grant service connection for prostate cancer, while the April 2011 decision did not award SMC at the housebound rate due to multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that there is no evidence showing a relationship between his in-service exposure to herbicides and his current condition. The Board also noted that sarcoidosis is not one of the diseases presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to various issues, including asbestos exposure and its relation to sarcoidosis, as well as his bilateral ankle disabilities and hearing loss. The VA is directed to conduct further development in these areas.