Sarcoidosis decisions — 2018

The Board has denied service connection for sarcoidosis, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction as there is no evidence of their onset or etiology in service. The Veteran's claims have been remanded to obtain a new VA examination to evaluate his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II (DM II), Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, and sarcoidosis were not shown to be related to his military service or herbicide exposure.,The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides for any of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder and right thigh disabilities, sarcoidosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The Board found that the current symptoms are not related to any documented event or injury in active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased disability ratings for his service-connected residuals of fracture of the left wrist, trigger finger, sarcoidosis, and scar on the left first metacarpal (thumb). The appeals were based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, and sarcoidosis due to potential issues with the evidence provided. The Veteran's mental health conditions are being reviewed further by an addendum opinion, while his sarcoidosis is being evaluated again to determine if it was misdiagnosed during active duty.

The Veteran's lung disability of pulmonary sarcoidosis is granted, effective July 17, 2009. Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) secondary to service-connected sleep apnea is also granted, with an effective date of July 17, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for pulmonary sarcoidosis and awarded an effective date of July 17, 2009. The earlier effective date for service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been properly evaluated and requires additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted. The claim for sleep apnea, including as due to herbicide exposure, was also denied.

The Board has requested a medical expert opinion regarding the Veteran's sarcoidosis and found it not related to his exposure at Camp Lejeune. The case is being remanded for further consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has found deficiencies in the development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue, sarcoidosis, and obstructive sleep apnea. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory conditions, specifically COPD and sarcoidosis. The claim is being returned for a new VA examination with a pulmonologist.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's service connection claim remains pending.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis with pulmonary involvement is rated at 60 percent effective March 12, 2015. The Veteran's conjunctivitis is not active and does not warrant a compensable rating.