Sarcoidosis Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his sleep apnea. The issues of service connection for sarcoidosis and diabetes mellitus are also being addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory disability, diagnosed as sarcoidosis, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and sarcoidosis are currently rated at 50 percent, with the use of a breathing assistance device for sleep apnea. Sarcoidosis is rated based on its pulmonary involvement.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including pulmonary sarcoidosis, is being remanded for further development and a VA examination to determine if it is related to his military service, specifically his exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective April 20, 1998. The Board found that the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability occurred for purposes of assigning an earlier effective date.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma and found that the Veteran's current asthma is related to her active service. The other issues on appeal are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's sarcoidosis, which may be related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service, is related to his death. The VA also needs to obtain SSA disability benefits records and review them by a physician.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to lack of new and material evidence, including statements from the appellant indicating that the Veteran's sarcoidosis was related to his active service.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis with bronchial asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for this condition. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his lung function tests show FEV-1 and FEV-1/FVC scores within normal limits.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis, but failed to apply the correct regulations regarding reduction of disability ratings. The decision is reversed and the TDIU is restored.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals at his local RO. The issues include reopening and service connection claims, as well as rating determinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to non-compliance with previous instructions regarding a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's name is placed on the docket for a videoconference hearing at the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disability, including asthma and sarcoidosis of the lung with shortness of breath, did not manifest in service or within the first post-service year. The Board also determined that there was no evidence to support a finding that the disabilities were related to service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis requires only low-dose corticosteroids for control and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for sarcoidosis, finding no new and material evidence was received since the April 2008 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sarcoidosis and right knee disorder are not related to her military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis has been medically linked to his active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying the appellant's exposure to herbicides in Thailand. The claims for service connection are pending.

The Board has decided that the case needs to be returned for additional development due to incomplete records and a need for a VA examination.