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Evidence checklist

Sarcoidosis

DC 684638 CFR § 4.97Respiratory

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Tissue biopsy showing non-caseating granulomasCritical

Pathology report confirming the diagnosis of sarcoidosis with characteristic non-caseating granulomas. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy is most common; lymph node or skin biopsy may also be used.

Private provider · independent opinion
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) with DLCOCritical

Spirometry and diffusion capacity documenting the degree of restrictive impairment or gas exchange abnormality. VA rates pulmonary sarcoidosis using the same criteria as other chronic lung diseases.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking sarcoidosis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your sarcoidosis to military service, including environmental exposures, organic dust, beryllium, or other known sarcoidogenic agents encountered during service.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Documentation of extrapulmonary involvement (skin, eyes, cardiac, neurological)

Records documenting involvement of other organ systems — cardiac sarcoidosis, ocular sarcoidosis, neurosarcoidosis, or cutaneous involvement — which may support separate ratings or a higher combined rating.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Chest imaging (CT or X-ray showing mediastinal and pulmonary findings)

CT chest or chest X-ray documenting hilar adenopathy, parenchymal infiltrates, or fibrotic changes. Scadding stages I-IV on imaging correlate with prognosis and disease severity.

VA or private records · written request
Treatment records (corticosteroids, immunosuppressants)

Records documenting systemic corticosteroid therapy (prednisone) and any steroid-sparing immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine), including treatment response over time.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 1 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Respiratory ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing PFT results, imaging stage, treatment requirements, and functional impact of sarcoidosis.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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