Sarcoidosis VA Rating 

Sarcoidosis is a chronic immune disorder characterized by small clusters of inflamed cells, known as granulomas, that develop in the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, eyes, and other organs. Sarcoidosis can often manifest as a skin rash, persistent cough, fatigue, chest pain, joint pain, or weight loss in early stages.  

For veterans exposed to burn pits during military service, sarcoidosis is now recognized as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act. 

VA Ratings for Sarcoidosis 

Sarcoidosis can be rated under Diagnostic Code 6846, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how the condition impacts your ability to work and perform daily activities. The VA rates sarcoidosis based on the extent of pulmonary (lung) involvement and whether systemic treatments like corticosteroids are required. 

• 100%: Cor pulmonale, or; cardiac involvement with congestive heart failure, or; progressive pulmonary disease with fever, night sweats, and weight loss despite treatment  
• 60%: Pulmonary involvement requiring systemic high dose (therapeutic) corticosteroids for control  
• 30%: Pulmonary involvement with persistent symptoms requiring chronic low dose (maintenance) or intermittent corticosteroids 
• 0%: Chronic hilar adenopathy or stable lung infiltrates without symptoms or physiologic impairment 

Note: Or rate active disease or residuals as chronic bronchitis (DC 6600) and extra-pulmonary involvement under specific body system involved. 

Sarcoidosis and the PACT Act: Are You Eligible for Presumptive Service Connection? 

The Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 expands health care and disability benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and airborne hazards (including burn pits). Burn pits were commonly used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Southwest Asian regions to dispose of various waste products, releasing toxic smoke and fumes into the air. Exposure to these airborne hazards has been linked to a range of health conditions, including sarcoidosis. 

Under the PACT Act, sarcoidosis is now officially recognized as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards. 

Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations and developed sarcoidosis after service do not need to prove a direct connection between their condition and their military service to qualify for VA disability benefits. This can significantly reduce the burden of proof on veterans filing claims. 

Eligible Locations and Time Periods 

• On or after September 11, 2001: Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and the airspace above any of these locations 
• On or after August 2, 1990: Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the airspace above any of these locations 
• Additional qualifying regions: Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Persian Gulf, Red Sea 

Claiming VA Disability for Sarcoidosis 

If your sarcoidosis is related to burn pit exposure or other environmental hazards during military service, you are entitled to compensation. You will need: 

• Detailed medical records showing diagnosis and treatment for sarcoidosis. 
• Service records documenting exposure to burn pits or other toxins. 
• A nexus letter from a medical professional linking sarcoidosis to your service. 

If you qualify under the PACT Act, you no longer need to provide direct evidence of the link between your service and your sarcoidosis. If, however, you are not eligible for the presumption, a strong medical nexus is essential. 

Winning a Service Connection for Sarcoidosis: Case Example

In this case, a veteran who served in the U.S. military from August 1996 to August 2000 sought a higher disability rating for his service-connected sarcoidosis. Initially, the veteran received a 30% disability rating but argued that his condition warranted a higher rating due to worsening symptoms. After appealing the decision, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals granted a 60% disability rating, effective from September 26, 2015. 

Outcome of the Appeal

The Board ultimately granted a 60% disability rating for sarcoidosis based on medical evidence indicating that the veteran’s sarcoidosis required systemic high-dose corticosteroids for control as of September 26, 2015. Prior to this date, the condition only required intermittent low-dose corticosteroids, warranting a 30% rating. 

How This Claim Was Won

• Medical Evidence of Symptom Progression: The veteran’s medical records showed a marked increase in the severity of his sarcoidosis symptoms starting on September 26, 2015, when he was prescribed 50 mg of prednisone daily. This systemic high-dose corticosteroid use met the criteria for a 60% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6846. 
• VA Examination Reports: Multiple VA examinations throughout the appeal period confirmed the veteran’s pulmonary involvement with sarcoidosis and the need for corticosteroids. These examinations were critical in determining the appropriate rating, with specific emphasis on the systemic involvement and the use of high-dose steroids. 
• Consistent Documentation of Symptoms: The veteran’s treatment records documented persistent symptoms such as shortness of breath, weight fluctuations, and recurring night sweats, which were managed with increasing doses of prednisone. This consistent documentation was essential in supporting the veteran’s claim for a higher rating. 
• Benefit of the Doubt: The Board applied the benefit of the doubt rule, which played a significant role in the decision to grant the 60% rating. This principle was used when the evidence regarding the severity of the condition and the necessity of high-dose corticosteroids was found to be equally balanced. 

This case emphasizes the importance of providing detailed medical documentation and maintaining consistent records of symptom progression to successfully appeal for a higher VA disability rating. Veterans with sarcoidosis or other conditions should ensure that their medical evidence reflects the ongoing nature and severity of their symptoms. 

Content Reviewed by

Cassandra Crosby

Cassandra, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.