Sarcoidosis decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary disorder, including sarcoidosis, is least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any current respiratory disability is related to service and whether any tinnitus or left ear hearing loss is related to service. The Veteran's claims of service connection are pending.

The Board determined that the Veteran's cause of death, pulmonary sarcoidosis, was not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service or any presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. The Board also found no evidence supporting a claim for service connection based on secondary aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis, which he contends is due to exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the Republic of Vietnam, has been denied as there is no competent evidence linking the current diagnosis to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sarcoidosis with associated bronchiectasis was related to service and exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for sarcoidosis and hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sarcoidosis warrants a 60 percent rating effective April 27, 2006. The condition is manifested by poor lung expansion and mild shortness of breath with minimal exertion.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis and chronic pericardial effusion, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Veteran's pulmonary sarcoidosis is manifested by persistent symptoms requiring chronic high dose corticosteroids for control, which approximates the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for sarcoidosis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and testing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis and hypertension were denied. The claim for a compensable rating for tinea pedis was not granted, while the claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia patella of both knees and traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine were also not granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected sarcoidosis with lingular stenosis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. His pulmonary sarcoidosis with residual pleurisy, asbestosis, COPD, left pleural thickening, and hepatic involvement are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated as 10 percent since December 11, 2008. He is also entitled to a separate rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.