Sarcoidosis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal for special home adaptations (SHA) eligibility is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error regarding the etiology of his pulmonary sarcoidosis. The Board will request an opinion from a clinician to determine if the condition qualifies as an 'inhalation injury' and whether it was caused by inhaled toxins during service in Saudi Arabia.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis was granted with an effective date of December 15, 2014. The Board found that the condition arose prior to this date and is related to in-service toxic exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for VR&E benefits to pursue a PhD in Early Childhood Education, finding that it was beyond the scope of what can be provided under an Individualized Extended Evaluation Plan (IEEP) within the context of a Chapter 31 self-employment track.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for aid and attendance as he required care or assistance on a regular basis to feed himself, keep himself clean and presentable, protect him from hazards, and manage his medications.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error regarding sarcoidosis, which may have manifested during service or within one year of separation. The Veteran's cause of death was listed as cardiac arrhythmia due to cor pulmonale due to sarcoidosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, finding that there was no causal relationship between his in-service exposure to herbicide agents or an upper respiratory infection and his current lung disorder. The Board also found that sarcoidosis did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis and right ear hearing loss have been granted service connection as their diagnoses are directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, dry eyes, skin rash, sarcoidosis, IBS, and acid reflux. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are based on direct evidence of their onset during or shortly after his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a respiratory/pulmonary disorder, including sarcoidosis, is remanded due to the need for further development regarding toxic exposure risk activities. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be affected by the outcome of the service connection claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sarcoidosis and his service-connected conditions. The Veteran is requested to undergo a thorough VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his sarcoidosis.

The Board found no evidence of current diagnoses of interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, or sarcoidosis during the pendency of these service-connection claims.,Service connection was denied for all three conditions due to lack of current diagnosis and symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for obstructive sleep apnea with sarcoidosis is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors and insufficient medical evidence.

The Board has remanded 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. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was granted with an effective date of January 27, 2021. The decision is based on the submission of a supplemental claim by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sarcoidosis has been dismissed due to procedural issues. The appeals for service connection for lupus and asthma are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis is granted on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and keratoconus are denied for increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include pulmonary sarcoidosis, due to insufficient evidence and failure to consider certain records. The Veteran is presumed to have incurred his current respiratory disorder during service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they are not adequately addressed in the current record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants his claim for TDIU.