Sarcoidosis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted. Increased ratings were awarded for lumbar strain (40%), bilateral foot degenerative joint disease (10%), and migraine cephalgia (30%). The effective date for the increase to a 10 percent rating for bilateral feet degenerative joint disease is May 25, 2017.

The Veteran's asthma with sarcoidosis is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 6602. The Board denied both a higher rating and separate ratings for asthma and sarcoidosis due to lack of evidence of required criteria.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis is related to his active service and exposure to burn pit smoke, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis and asthma do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung disease with chest polyps, arthritis and joint pain, renal cancer, and a prostate disorder due to incomplete VA treatment records during the period of appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and whether in-service headaches were manifestations of the condition. The Veteran's sarcoidosis is already service-connected, but there is insufficient evidence linking his current obstructive sleep apnea to his active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma and sarcoidosis as service connection is being evaluated based on exposure to hazardous chemicals at Camp Lejeune. The VA examiner will need to review additional medical literature submitted by the Veteran's representative.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that his current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sarcoidosis, a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic diarrhea, and headaches. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal for depression was withdrawn, and the claims for sarcoidosis, lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis of the joints, headaches (secondary to PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD), and cirrhosis with enlarged spleen and esophageal varices were all dismissed due to lack of new and material evidence or other legal grounds.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for clarification on the etiology of the Veteran's neurosarcoidosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his Reserve service records and VA treatment records from his active duty period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, sarcoidosis of the lung, scleroderma, an inoperable lymph node on the right side of the face, right hand swelling, and swelling of the legs and thighs are remanded due to outstanding medical records and a need for clarification regarding the etiology of his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The Veteran's death extinguished his claim for automobile and adaptive equipment. The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and sarcoidosis.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for infectious hepatitis, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's sarcoidosis began during active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for sarcoidosis and has determined that it is presumed to be related to in-service exposure to burn pits. The effective date of this decision is October 1, 2022, which is when the PACT Act became effective.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sarcoidosis and related secondary conditions due to incomplete medical records and a need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records from various healthcare providers.

The Board has remanded the claims for sarcoidosis and asthma due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to service. A TERA VA examination is needed, and efforts should be made to obtain military personnel records from the Veteran's entire period of active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for sarcoidosis has been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeal.