Parkinson's disease decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that a 10 percent rating is warranted for the Veteran's WPW syndrome, as her symptoms meet the criteria for this rating under Code 7010 of the VA Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only is denied as there is no demonstrated loss of use of the lower extremities, which would qualify him under VA criteria.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance is granted, as he meets the criteria due to his disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records from June 2006 to present. The claims of service connection for PTSD, bronchitis, heart disease, Parkinson's disease and an eye disorder will be further evaluated after obtaining these records.

The Veteran's death was caused by aspiration pneumonia, dysphagia, and advanced Parkinson's disease. The appellant contends that the Veteran's service-connected gunshot wound residuals aggravated his pre-existing lung conditions leading to his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's Parkinsonism, arthritis, and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a clear link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome and a cervical spine disorder, but further development is needed before these claims can be decided.,There is no evidence of an in-service head injury or lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran's reports are not credible.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for malaria and Parkinson's disease, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the malaria claim and concluding that there was no medical evidence linking Parkinson's disease to service.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and any other diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's request to withdraw all pending appeals, including those related to hypertension, Parkinson's disease, and malaria.

The Veteran's service-connected WPW syndrome did not render him unemployable prior to December 15, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a cardiovascular disability, had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, resulting in a denial of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is being reviewed for its potential contribution to his death, and the case will be remanded to allow for a medical advisory opinion. The burial benefits claim will also be addressed in light of this determination.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain medical records from a skilled nursing facility where the Veteran resided at the time of his death, in order to determine if any service-connected disabilities contributed to his cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of lung disorder including pneumonia, Parkinson's disease was not incurred or aggravated during military service nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred, residuals of a staph infection, pleurisy, prostatitis, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and leg and foot disorders were not incurred or aggravated during military service nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred. The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart condition, arthritis, and sleep apnea.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, as evidenced by medical records showing no significant exacerbation of PTSD just prior to his death and no mention of PTSD as a contributing factor to his deteriorating cardiovascular situation.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and her claims for service connection are denied.