If you served in the military and have Parkinson’s disease, you’ll want to know how it could be connected to your service. This post explains more about getting a VA rating for Parkinson’s disease.
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What started as a tremor in one hand has now been diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. You know the disease will likely progress, and there is no cure. But did you know that Parkinson’s may be related to your military service? That’s why it’s essential to understand VA disability for Parkinson’s disease.
In this article about the VA disability rating for Parkinson’s disease:
Parkinson’s disease in veterans
Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that worsens over time and impacts how you move. The disease causes tremors, stiffness, and weakness of the muscles. It results in slower movement through bradykinesia, a motor symptom of the disease.
Although Parkinson’s symptoms may start out mild, they grow progressively worse and can result in dementia or other cognitive issues.
Scientists aren’t sure what causes a person to develop Parkinson’s disease, but they do know what causes the symptoms. In Parkinson’s disease, certain nerve cells in the brain break down and eventually die. This causes the brain to stop producing dopamine, a hormone associated with happiness and normal brain function.
Veterans exposed to environmental toxins during service are more prone to developing the disease.
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VA rating for Parkinson’s disease
The VA rating for Parkinson’s disease is diagnostic code 8004 in the Schedule of Ratings. This DC is for neurological conditions and convulsive disorders. It automatically gives a 30% rating to anyone with the condition, regardless of their symptoms. The rating can then increase based on the individual’s specific symptoms.
To determine the rating, the VA evaluates each of the veteran’s symptoms and then calculates the combined rating for those symptoms. If this percentage is higher than the base 30% rating, that’s the rating the veteran receives. If the 30% rating is the highest, they receive that amount.
Parkinson’s disease and related conditions
Various conditions are related to Parkinson’s disease, and you may receive secondary service connections for them, which will increase the amount of disability payment you earn. These conditions may include:
- Arthritis
- Hypertension
- Heart conditions, including irregular heartbeat, Ischemic Heart Disease, and even heart failure
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Mental health concerns like depression or anxiety
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or constipation
- Sleep conditions, such as sleep apnea
If you experience any of these conditions in addition to Parkinson’s, it may be worth discussing with your doctor whether there is a connection, and if so, seeking additional disability compensation from the VA.
Parkinson’s disease VA presumptive
Parkinson’s disease is a presumptive condition for veterans who served in specific areas where they were exposed to certain types of toxins.
A presumptive service connection means that when a qualifying veteran applies for VA disability for Parkinson’s disease, they are not required to submit proof that the Parkinson’s is medically linked to their service. Instead, the condition is automatically service connected.
Parkinson’s disease is a presumptive condition for those who served in Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone where Agent Orange was used during certain times. It’s also presumptive for veterans who served at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987.
Traumatic brain injury, service around burn pits, and exposure to other herbicide agents can also provide a presumptive connection for Parkinson’s disease.
Veterans who don’t have a presumptive condition need to prove service connection through a “medical nexus” before the VA will consider them for VA disability for Parkinson’s disease.
VA Parkinson’s C&P exam
There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s. Therefore, during a C&P exam, a neurologist will review your medical history and your symptoms. There are certain markers they look for to diagnose Parkinson’s, including bradykinesia.
Your doctor may want to perform some brain scans, blood tests, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds of the brain, and PET scans to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
When you first begin the Parkinson’s diagnosis process, your primary care physician may refer you to a neurologist if they think your symptoms may indicate Parkinson’s disease. A neurologist specializes in nerve disorders, especially those that affect the brain.
At your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history. They’ll want to know when your symptoms began, whether they come and go, and if anything seems to improve or worsen your symptoms. Depending on what they find, they may want to order additional testing.
When preparing for your C&P exam, it’s a good idea to jot down a list of the symptoms you’re experiencing. It can be difficult to remember every incident that has happened when you’re sitting in the exam room.
It’s also a good idea to write down your complete medical history so you can discuss it with your doctor. Include any recent life changes or severe stresses you’ve experienced. You also need to bring a list of supplements, vitamins, and medications you’re currently on. If you have any questions, be sure to make a list of them to ask your doctor during the appointment.
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TDIU for Parkinson’s disease
A veteran can be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) if they can’t maintain “substantially gainful employment” because of service-connected conditions.
Parkinson’s disease could make it impossible for a veteran to work because of an inability to move freely and, in advanced stages, because of dementia-like symptoms.
TDIU pays at the same level as a 100% disability rating, even when the veteran’s combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
How our VA-accredited attorneys can help
If you have a service-connected condition that affects your ability to live and work comfortably, you deserve the full VA disability compensation you are owed. Contact Woods and Woods today for a free consultation to see how we can help. You only pay us if we win.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s. Therefore, during a C&P exam, a neurologist will review your medical history and your symptoms. Then, your doctor may want to perform some brain scans, blood tests, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds of the brain, and PET scans to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Usually, your claim will continue moving forward. However, if you are denied for having another condition that the VA believes is related to service, there may be options to reverse this decision. In this situation, it’s best to reach out to an attorney for help.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
