Parkinson's disease decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and earlier effective dates for his service-connected Parkinson's disease, mood disorder, duodenal ulcer, anosmia, oral dyskinesia, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance (A&A), and SMC based on loss of use of both feet.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development to address whether any service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to the Veteran's death from blunt force head trauma, and if so, which ones. The examiner should also consider whether the syncopal episode was part of his service-connected psychogenic headaches and whether Parkinson's disease onset during military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Parkinson's disease is related to his inservice exposure to Agent Orange and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his active service and thus eligible for the presumption of exposure.

The Veteran is granted service connection for Parkinson's disease, as it is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during his service in the Gulf War.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and medical records from Dr. Travis Ellison.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development regarding his unreimbursed medical expenses and current income status.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to obtain clinical records of inpatient treatment during active service and an examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current cardiac disability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's Parkinson's disease is service-connected due to herbicide exposure during his active duty at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base. The lumbar and cervical spine claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the types of chemicals the Veteran was exposed to during active duty service and whether these exposures are related to his end stage renal disease or Parkinson's disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's atrial fibrillation and service connection claims. The appellant is seeking service connection for Parkinson's disease and atrial fibrillation due to exposure while serving on the USS Bronstein in the Gulf of Tonkin.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and adenocarcinoma of the prostate was denied. The Board granted a TDIU rating effective from February 25, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease, claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's death was caused by Lewy body dementia due to (or as a consequence of) Parkinson's disease, which the Board finds is service-connected based on direct evidence. The Veteran served in Thailand and may have been exposed to herbicides during his active duty there.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete service personnel records and VA Form 21-4142s, as well as potential herbicide exposure in Korea.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease and a balance disorder on the basis of herbicide exposure during service, as these conditions are presumed to be associated with such exposure.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease claim remains pending as it was reopened based on new evidence. His lumbar myositis rating is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently has Parkinson's disease and that such disability is related to his military service as a presumptive condition associated with herbicide exposure incurred during service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, Parkinson's disease, heart disability, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction are not fully developed. The appeal is REMANDED to allow for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development, including securing missing VA treatment records and obtaining a medical opinion regarding the severity of his Parkinson's disease prior to January 4, 2011.