Sarcoidosis decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to address the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disability, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis of the lung, small airway disease, restrictive lung disease, and chronic cough. The examiner must consider the Veteran's exposure to asbestos, hazardous fumes and chemicals due to his MOS as a deck seaman.

The Veteran's pulmonary sarcoidosis is rated at 10 percent, and his knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence supports these ratings throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis of both lungs, finding that his exposure to solvents and chemicals during military service is at least as likely as not a contributing factor in developing the condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of adenocarcinoma, left parotid gland and sarcoidosis are both granted. The Board found that the current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a respiratory disorder, esophageal cancer, and residuals of a gallbladder removal due to unresolved medical opinions regarding potential exposure to Agent Orange, asbestos, and oil fumes during service.

The Veteran's cutaneous sarcoidosis with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is granted an increased rating of 60 percent beginning August 27, 2007. The Veteran's sarcoidosis is also granted a 30 percent rating beginning March 9, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain, left knee strain, and multiple joint manifestations of sarcoidosis were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or functional loss.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain new opinions regarding service connection for respiratory disorder, neurological disorder, and skin disorder. The issues have been recharacterized as separate claims.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, finding that the Veteran's symptoms in service were early manifestations of his later diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's GERD and liver disease, cholecystitis with sarcoidosis are rated at 100 percent effective July 23, 2020. He is also granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) from the same date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to January 7, 2013.

The Board has denied service connection for bronchitis and sarcoidosis, finding that the evidence does not support a relationship to service. The Veteran's claims of exposure to cleaning chemicals were not addressed as they are not part of the appeal.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 1, 2021 for the award of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits. The Appellant's claim for earlier effective dates is denied as a matter of law.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that there is at least a 50/50 balance of evidence to support the claim and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is being remanded for a determination on whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities.