Citation Nr: 20032699 Decision Date: 05/11/20 Archive Date: 05/11/20 DOCKET NO. 18-32 352 DATE: May 11, 2020 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a sinus disability, to include allergic rhinitis is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active military service in the United States Air Force from September 1949 to February 1953.This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) from an August 2017 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office. In February 2020, the Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. A copy of the hearing transcripts has been associated with the electronic claims file. 1. Service Connection for a Sinus Disability is Remanded. The Veteran's entrance examination is silent for any sinus disabilities. His February 1953 exit examination contains a notation indicating the Veteran believed he had sinusitis but that no treatment had been received. In April 2018, the Veteran underwent a VA examination to determine the etiology of any sinus disabilities. The VA examiner diagnosed the Veteran with allergic rhinitis. The VA examiner opined the Veteran’s allergic rhinitis was less likely than not incurred in service. The rationale provided was that there was no evidence of chronicity of sinusitis or allergic rhinitis since service separation. In February 2020, the Veteran testified that symptoms of the allergic rhinitis began service. He further reported exposure to environmental hazards in the performance of his in-service duties. Given the Veteran’s testimony of in-service symptoms and the lack of rationale in the April 2018 VA examinations, a new opinion is necessary to allow for a fully informed decision. Barr v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 303 (2007). The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Associate any VA treatment records since October 2017 with the electronic claims file. 2. After completion of the above-specified development. If possible, obtain an addendum medical opinion from an appropriately qualified physician on the etiology of the Veteran's current sinus or allergy disabilities. The examiner must indicate review of the claims file in the examination report. If the VA examiner determines that an additional examination of the Veteran is necessary to provide reliable opinions as to causation, such examination should be scheduled; however, the Veteran should not be required to report for another examination as a matter of course, if it is not found to be necessary. (a) Is it as likely as not that the currently diagnosed respiratory disabilities, to include any sinus disabilities or allergic rhinitis were incurred during active military service? The examiner must discuss the Veteran's reports of in-environmental hazards, symptoms that began in service and have continued since, his in-service tooth removal, and the February 1953 exit examination. A rationale should be given for all opinions and conclusions rendered. H. SEESEL Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board C. Teague, Associate Counsel The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.