The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected sarcoidosis and cholelithiasis, as well as the continuation of benefits for a dependent schoolchild, were denied. The veteran's combined evaluation remains at 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of the veteran's disabilities based on his symptoms and history.
- Claimed conditions
- pulmonary sarcoidosis, cholelithiasis, chronic cholecystitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 13, 2002
- Citation
- 0216259
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0216259.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted. The initial rating of 10 percent, but not higher, has been assigned for pulmonary sarcoidosis. Service connection has also been established for migraine headaches, degenerative arthritis in the left knee, right knee disorder (osteoarthritis), right ankle sprain, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, bilateral flat feet, and various foot conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining necessary medical records and conducting a proper examination. The Veteran's respiratory disability, including pulmonary sarcoidosis, is being reviewed again.
- Granted
The Veteran's cholelithiasis, status-post cholecystectomy, has been rated at 30 percent since the decision was made. The rating is for severe symptoms including abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis are remanded due to the need for VA examinations. The claim for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is also remanded as an addendum opinion is required.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.