Sarcoidosis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis is rated at 30 percent, which requires low dose corticosteroids and corresponds to a COPD rating.

The Veteran's application for a grant of specially adapted housing or special home adaptation was denied as he does not meet the criteria under VA regulations, specifically due to lack of evidence of an inhalation injury causing his sarcoidosis.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus due to lack of new and material evidence, as the Veteran's statements about in-service noise exposure were not considered new.,The Board found no current diagnosis of sarcoidosis and denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's appeals for squamous cell carcinoma of the head/neck and sarcoidosis have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as he died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis requires him to use continuous outpatient oxygen therapy and makes him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, resulting in a TDIU rating from May 24, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral sarcoid uveitis and right eye exotropia, as well as residuals of sarcoidosis, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's death is related to his service.

The Board denied a rating greater than 30 percent for pulmonary sarcoidosis prior to January 27, 2016 due to lack of evidence showing systemic high dose corticosteroids or PFT test results.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for sarcoidosis, back disability (claimed as back pain), and PTSD due to insufficient evidence or need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disability, multi-joint aches and pains, and prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain additional evidence, including from the Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC), to determine if the Veteran’s unit participated in missions to Vietnam.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis and osteoporosis are granted as service connected.,Secondary service connection for conjunctivitis, hiatal hernia, peripheral vestibular disorders, chronic nephritis, facial rash, neuritis of the sciatic nerve of the lower extremities, and bilateral foot condition is remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is aggravated by his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his bronchial condition (claimed as sarcoidosis) due to a lack of evidence showing that it began during active duty or was related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as he has an associate degree and prior work experience. The Board finds that the Veteran is able to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.