Parkinson's disease decisions — 2021

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on all of his service-connected conditions, except for loss of automatic movements and speech changes which were granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease, finding that there is no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange during his active duty training and no in-service disease or injury associated with the condition. The veteran was not exposed to herbicides during his ACDUTRA at Fort Ord, California.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease and prostatitis claims are denied, as the evidence does not support a higher rating for Parkinson's disease prior to June 26, 2012. The claim of service connection for prostatitis is also denied due to lack of causation or aggravation by diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to June 26, 2012 is denied as the evidence does not show unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his service at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Parkinson's disease and unspecified anxiety disorder prior to August 23, 2019 were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected Parkinson's disease and essential tremors have resulted in a regular need of aid and attendance since December 10, 2009. SMC based on aid and attendance is granted effective from that date.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for Parkinson's Disease, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance (A&A), and TDIU due to issues with the August 1954 service treatment notation regarding a nose injury. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his Parkinson's Disease being related to this in-service injury and also secondary to other service-connected conditions.

The application to reopen the claim of service connection for Parkinson's disease was granted. Service connection for a cardiovascular disorder and diabetes mellitus type II were denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as end stage Parkinson's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Adult Failure to Thrive. The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.,The Veteran did not serve during a period of war, so he does not meet the service requirements for award of VA pension benefits. Therefore, entitlement to special monthly pension for the Veteran based upon need for aid and attendance or on the basis of housebound is denied.,The surviving spouse was noted by a provider to be able to accomplish her activities of daily living without assistance and could leave her home whenever necessary. She does not meet the criteria for death pension benefits based upon the need for aid and attendance or on account of being housebound.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and Parkinson's disease due to lack of current diagnoses in the June 2021 rating decision. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding medical records from identified physicians.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, Parkinson's disease, sleep disorder, sinus disability, nocturia, altered gait, right ear growth, left knee strain, gynecomastia, inguinal hernia, priapism, bilateral pulmonary embolism, parotid neoplasms, and hepatitis C have been denied. The Board found no evidence of service connection or secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran was granted service connection for Parkinson's disease due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as the evidence shows he served there for at least 30 days during the affected period.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for LLE and RLE bradykinesia, balance, tremors, muscle rigidity and stiffness associated with Parkinson's disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy have been remanded due to the need to consider whether these disabilities should be evaluated under Diagnostic Code 8520 for impairment of the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for CAD post MI, which was granted on May 30, 2016.,He also seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, which he contends should be secondary to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran is granted service connection for Parkinson's disease due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The issue of service connection for dementia secondary to Parkinson's disease is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for Parkinson's disease and a lung disability due to withdrawal by the appellant. The cause of death is granted, with malignant mesothelioma being considered at least as likely as not caused by in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant while the appeal was pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy, soft tissue sarcoma, skin disorder (chloracne), prostate cancer, thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism), testicular cancer, heart disorder (ischemic heart disease), and Parkinson's disease and/or Parkinsonism. The Board found no current disability in these conditions and concluded that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicide agents during his service on Guam.

The Board has granted service connection for dementia as secondary to service-connected ischemic heart disease, but denied service connection for Parkinson's Disease and remanded the issue of cerebrovascular disease with associated stroke.