Sarcoidosis decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and verifying periods of active duty. The Veteran's respiratory disability is being considered as a direct service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for vascular headaches, sinus condition (presumed secondary to sarcoidosis and uveitis), and uveitis due to conflicting medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis and COPD has been granted, along with an earlier effective date for SMC based on a need for aid and attendance.,However, the Veteran's request for an increased rate of SMC was denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for prostate cancer and a respiratory disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board requests additional medical records and schedules the Veteran for an examination to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for sarcoidosis left side, a respiratory disorder, and a mental impairment as secondary to a stroke due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and physical examinations.

The Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate, thus denying a nonservice-connected pension.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and sarcoidosis, but denied for allergic rhinitis. The Veteran's cause of death due to sarcoidosis is also confirmed.,The claim for asthma remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and/or sleep apnea, sarcoidosis, a digestive disorder (diverticulosis), and dermatitis have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of any diagnosed conditions during or within one year after active service.,There are no medical records indicating the Veteran had any of these conditions while on active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for sarcoidosis and uveitis due to inadequate medical opinions, in particular regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and her service. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a spleen condition as secondary to sarcoidosis, rating in excess of 30 percent for sarcoidosis, and TDIU due to his employment as a pastor. Additional private treatment records from Dr. R.B. are needed, and further development is required for the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including lung disability, right hip condition, right hand condition, low back condition, OSA, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being remanded for further development, including obtaining complete service treatment records and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for a left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and sarcoidosis due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service records do not show any in-service injuries or illnesses related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the appropriate ratings and service connection for sarcoidosis, COPD, and eye disability.

The Veteran's service treatment records do not show he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or sarcoidosis during his active service. The Board cannot make a fully-informed decision on these issues because no VA examiner has opined whether the Veteran’s multiple sclerosis and/or sarcoidosis may be related to his active service, including the in-service anthrax vaccinations.