Sarcoidosis decisions — 2003

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for a duodenal ulcer and inactive pulmonary sarcoidosis were denied as the evidence did not reveal good cause for his failure to appear for VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, including as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's sarcoidosis has been evaluated at a 30 percent rating since February 20, 1996. The Board finds that his current condition warrants an increase to a 60 percent evaluation due to persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose corticosteroids.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's bilateral glaucoma is a result of treatment received during service for his service-connected chronic sarcoidosis with iridocyclitis, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sarcoidosis with inactive pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not meet the criteria for a disability rating higher than the currently assigned 60 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and a 30 percent rating for sarcoidosis, based on the evidence of record. The appellant's failure to report for VA examinations prevented further evaluation.

The veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted on a secondary basis due to his service-connected sarcoidosis. However, the initial rating for sarcoidosis from February 15, 1992 to June 9, 1997 and any evaluation in excess of 30 percent after June 10, 1997 are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sarcoidosis is related to his active service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's sarcoidosis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected hilar sarcoidosis, finding that the condition primarily manifested as symptomatic sarcoidosis with pulmonary fibrosis and moderate dyspnea on extended exertion. The current criteria did not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of sarcoidosis were found to not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 24, 2000 and on or after January 24, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC based on his service-connected conditions, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have not been perfected due to the failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The VA determined that the appellant's pulmonary sarcoidosis did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to June 30, 2000.