Citation Nr: 21063470
Decision Date: 10/14/21	Archive Date: 10/14/21

DOCKET NO. 16-15 872A
DATE: October 14, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for sarcoidosis is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for asthma is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Air Force from May 1970 to February 1971. 

This case comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal of a February 2015 rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). The Veteran testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) at a Board Hearing in November 2020. A transcript of the hearing is associated with the record. 

The Veteran asserts that his sarcoidosis and asthma were due to his military service. The Veteran testified his military occupation involved cleaning tires, cars, and the shop without a mask, and the exposure to the cleaning chemicals caused his sarcoidosis and asthma. Additionally, the Veteran testified that during his military service he was told to stop working due to possible asbestos exposure. Furthermore, the Veteran said he sought treatment while in service for breathing problems; however, these problems were treated as due to his broken nose and not the possibility of sarcoidosis or asthma. A VA medical opinion was not obtained regarding the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities. 

The Veteran testified that he sought medical treatment shortly after service and was hospitalized for a year for his breathing problems. The Veteran testified that he tried to obtain these earlier records from Dr. B and Dr. A; however, he was unable to do so. Therefore, no further development will be ordered for these records.  

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Follow appropriate development procedures based on a claim of asbestos exposure.

2. Forward the Veteran's claims file to a VA examiner for an opinion regarding the etiology of his sarcoidosis and asthma. If an additional examination of the Veteran is deemed warranted, such examination should be provided.  

Following a review of the relevant records and lay statements, the examiner is asked to provide a response to the following:

(a.) Was the Veteran's sarcoidosis at least as likely as not caused by or incurred in the Veteran's military service?

(b.) If in service asbestos exposure is conceded, was the Veteran's sarcoidosis at least as likely as not due to the Veteran's asbestos exposure?

(c.) Was the Veteran's asthma at least as likely as not caused by or incurred in the Veteran's military service?

(d.) If in service asbestos exposure is conceded, was the Veteran's asthma at least as likely as not due to the Veteran's asbestos exposure?

A complete rationale should be provided for all opinions. The clinician is asked to consider and address relevant lay and medical evidence, to specifically include the following:

(e.) The Veteran's testimony regarding his exposure to cleaning chemicals while in service.

(f.) The Veteran's testimony that he received a broken nose while in service. 

(g.) The Veteran's testimony regarding possible in-service asbestos exposure. 

 

MICHELLE L. KANE

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	C. Townsend, 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.