Sarcoidosis decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected sarcoidosis involving the lung with minor involvement in the hands was denied as he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's sarcoidosis is not currently active and does not require high dose corticosteroids for control. The medical evidence indicated that the sarcoidosis was essentially asymptomatic, with symptoms primarily attributed to his service-connected COPD. Therefore, a rating in excess of 30 percent for sarcoidosis is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted. The Board also noted that diabetes mellitus did not contribute to the veteran's death.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's sarcoidosis with chorioretinitis, currently rated at 60 percent.