Sarcoidosis in Post-9/11 Military Veterans

Abstract

Historically, US servicemembers have faced unique environmental hazards that may increase their risk for developing sarcoidosis. Cutaneous sarcoidosis is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of sarcoidosis and can precede systemic manifestations of the disease. In this article, we review the literature to examine the risk factors and incidence of sarcoidosis in post-9/11 veterans as well as provide recommendations for workup and management. Importantly, we also highlight that sarcoidosis is a presumptive diagnosis under the recently enacted Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act and may be service connected. Veterans with sarcoidosis should be referred to the US Department of Veterans Affairs.