Citation Nr: 18149820
Decision Date: 11/14/18	Archive Date: 11/13/18

DOCKET NO. 18-05 839
DATE:	November 14, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hilar adenopathy with pulmonary infiltrates compatible with sarcoidosis, stage II, is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from August 1974 to March 1979.  He received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
Service Connection for Bilateral Hilar Adenopathy with Pulmonary Infiltrates Compatible with Sarcoidosis, Stage II
The evidence of record is unclear as to whether the Veteran has a current disability related to his in-service treatment for bilateral hilar adenopathy with pulmonary infiltrates compatible with sarcoidosis.  The March 2017 examination report contains a reported diagnosis of asthma but the nexus opinion does not discuss whether the Veteran’s asthma is etiologically related to his in-service diagnosis. See March 2017 VA Examination, p. 2.  The Veteran submitted a private statement from his physician which opined that the Veteran’s in-service bilateral hilar adenopathy with pulmonary infiltrates, compatible with sarcoidosis stage II, is etiologically related to his current bilateral hilar adenopathy with pulmonary infiltrates, compatible with sarcoidosis stage II. See August 2017 VA Treatment Records, p. 13.  However, the Veteran’s private treatment records do not contain any mention of, or treatment for, this condition.  On remand, the Veteran should be afforded an opportunity to submit private treatment records documenting a current diagnosis of bilateral hilar adenopathy with pulmonary infiltrates, compatible with sarcoidosis stage II.  The Agency of Original Jurisdiction should also obtain an addendum opinion that addresses whether the Veteran’s current asthma is etiologically related to his in-service diagnosis.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Provide the Veteran with the appropriate notification and release forms needed to obtain private treatment records related to his current bilateral hilar adenopathy with pulmonary infiltrates, compatible with sarcoidosis stage II.  If such efforts are unsuccessful, provide the Veteran with an opportunity to secure and submit the records.
2. If possible, return the claims file to the March 2017 VA examiner to obtain an addendum opinion that addresses whether the Veteran’s asthma, or any other diagnosed respiratory/pulmonary condition, is etiologically related to his active duty service.  If deemed necessary by the examiner, schedule the Veteran for an examination.  Any indicated evaluations, studies, and tests deemed necessary by the examiner should be accomplished.  The entire claims file, to include a complete copy of this REMAND, should be made available to the examiner designated to provide the opinion, and the examination report should include a discussion of the Veteran’s documented medical history and assertions.
The examiner should offer comments, an opinion and a supporting rationale that addresses whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s asthma is caused or aggravated by his in-service diagnosis of bilateral hilar adenopathy with pulmonary infiltrates, compatible with sarcoidosis stage II.  
The examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent to report his symptoms and history, and such reports must be considered.  If the examiner rejects the Veteran’s reports, the examiner must provide a reason for doing so.
 
A. S. CARACCIOLO
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	W.V. Walker, Associate Counsel