Parkinson's disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for vertigo, PTSD, and diabetes were previously denied. New evidence was submitted that relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate these claims. The claim of service connection for PTSD is reopened due to new evidence, while the claims for vertigo and diabetes remain denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's eligibility for a grant for an automobile and adaptive equipment due to his service-connected Parkinson’s disease causing limitations in balance and propulsion, which could be equally well served by amputation of a limb with prosthesis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have all been granted. The effective dates are not specified as they were granted upon receipt of the claims.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for Parkinson's disease due to herbicide agent exposure and service connection for progressive supranuclear palsy. The decision is based on the need for clarification regarding the Veteran's diagnoses.

The Veteran's Parkinson’s disease and related disabilities are being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for an effective date earlier than November 17, 2017, for the grant of service connection for balance impairment related to Parkinson’s Disease.,The Board has also remanded the claims for an effective date earlier than November 17, 2017, for the grant of service connection for bradykinesia and tremors, left upper extremity, related to Parkinson’s Disease.

The Veteran's home modifications to make it handicapped accessible were approved for a specially adapted housing award of $10,100. The appeal seeking a special home adaption grant is dismissed as the Veteran was found eligible for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's lower extremity sensory neuropathy is caused or aggravated by his service-connected Parkinson's disease.

The Board has denied service connection for Parkinsonism, finding that the evidence does not show a link between the Veteran's current condition and his military service. The issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the Veteran indicating his hearing had worsened since his last examination.

The Veteran's appeal for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses at St. Charles Bend Medical Center is remanded due to changes in VA regulations regarding coverage under the PACT Act and other health-plan contracts. The case will be readjudicated after determining what, if any, expenses were paid by Medicare or other non-VA health-plan contracts.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Parkinson’s disease may be related to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence and is requesting an addendum opinion from a medical professional to address this issue.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is granted effective June 9, 2014. The Board also grants service connection for Parkinson’s Disease and related conditions secondary to environmental exposures from Persian Gulf War service. Other claims are remanded due to inextricable interrelation with these issues.

The Veteran's intention tremors and drug-induced Parkinson's like tremors associated with his schizophrenia are granted a 30 percent rating, effective June 16, 2010. The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, heat stroke (claimed as fatigue) is granted a 60 percent rating, effective September 8, 2019.

The Veteran's cause of death is granted as his multi-syndrome atrophy/Parkinsonism, which the Board found to be service-connected due to presumed Agent Orange exposure, caused his death.

The Veteran's Parkinsonism and depressive disorder are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The heart disorder and cognitive disorder are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for Parkinson's disease due to potential exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for further development.,Effective March 14, 2017, service connection was granted for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPWS) associated with NHL, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) associated with NHL, and Chronic Bronchitis (CB) associated with NHL.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, erectile dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease, and balanitis with phimosis. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability based on individual unemployability prior to June 27, 2018 is remanded due to changes in his service-connected conditions and the need for additional evidence regarding his ability to work.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his active service in Thailand.