Sarcoidosis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's sarcoidosis claim was denied as the evidence did not support a finding of pulmonary involvement with persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose or intermittent corticosteroids.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim was also denied, as his average puretone threshold in both ears did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for pulmonary sarcoidosis due to potential application of the PACT Act, as it may impact his service connection. The decision is pending further development and review.

The Veteran's respiratory disability, including COPD, emphysema, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and sarcoidosis, was rated at 10% prior to June 4, 2010. From June 4, 2010, to August 28, 2014, the Veteran received a 30% rating. Since August 29, 2014, he has been granted a 100% initial rating due to episodes of acute respiratory failure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA treatment records, SSA records, and examination reports being needed. The issues include back disability, respiratory disability (sarcoidosis), sleep disability (sleep apnea), left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient etiological opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed sarcoidosis and its relation to service, specifically exposure to asbestos and/or mold in showers.

The Board has reconsidered the previously denied claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, sarcoidosis, and gastrointestinal disorders. The claim for a bilateral wrist disorder is also remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of his condition and any related side effects.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed sarcoidosis is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, as the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether it began during service and was related to noise exposure. The Board finds that the Veteran has tinnitus and that competent and credible lay evidence indicates it likely began on or around the time of in-service acoustic trauma.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for prominent, tender tibial tubercles, bilateral knees, sarcoidosis, chronic urticaria, lower back injury, and frequent trouble sleeping are remanded due to missing VA treatment records. Additional development may be necessary including obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's back disability and right lower extremity neuropathy are granted service connection. The claim for sarcoidosis is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its onset and relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board remands the claim for a higher disability rating prior to January 27, 2016, for sarcoidosis due to the need for further development and a medical opinion regarding the nature of treatment during the appeal period.