Parkinson's disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran is seeking service connection for Parkinson's disease, which he claims was caused by exposure to herbicide agents during his military service. The Board finds that the RO did not adequately verify the Veteran’s reported exposure to herbicide agents and remands the case for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and ruling out exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as a cause.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, as there is insufficient evidence to determine eligibility for accrued benefits or service connection for the cause of death. The appellant must provide clear documentation regarding her educational pursuits after reaching the age of 18 years.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for Parkinson's disease, finding that a VA examination is needed to determine if it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for diabetes mellitus and TDIU claim were both granted. The Veteran is now rated at 40% for diabetes mellitus, which includes a non-compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's Disease, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents in Vietnam and there is a link between such exposure and the development of Parkinson's Disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for Parkinson's disease, tremor disabilities of the right hand and fingers, and right foot due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran’s claim for a back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for low back disability, peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the disabilities and service or any presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

Service connection for Parkinson's disease is granted. Service connection for basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck as a result of exposure to herbicide agents is remanded.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease is being remanded for further development regarding his exposure to hazardous chemicals during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosis or treatment for the condition during service. The Veteran's claim for chloracne on a presumptive basis due to in-service herbicide exposure was remanded as the VA examiner did not provide an opinion regarding the likelihood that the Veteran's claimed skin disorder is attributable to service, including as due to exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, Lewy-Body dementia, a neurocognitive disorder (Parkinson's disease), and an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are all granted. Service connection is established on the basis of herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition required more than one daily insulin injection and regulation of activities. The claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he needed regular assistance.

The Board has decided that additional evidence should be reviewed by the AOJ to determine if it supports a claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease, including as being due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran was given an opportunity to waive initial AOJ consideration of this evidence but declined.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for prostate cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and erectile dysfunction due to exposure to Agent Orange. Further development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange while serving aboard Navy vessels in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer and Parkinson’s Disease due to radiation exposure. Additional development is needed, including obtaining a radiation dose assessment from DTRA and medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received, and also requested additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran was granted service connection for Parkinson's disease as due to herbicide exposure, with the presumption of exposure in the Korean DMZ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of evidence in his service treatment records and the need for further medical examinations.