Parkinson's disease Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for consideration of higher ratings on the basis of service-connected residuals of Parkinson's disease with right upper extremity muscle rigidity and stiffness, left upper extremity muscle rigidity and stiffness, right lower extremity, left lower extremity, urinary incontinence, loss of sense of smell, and erectile dysfunction throughout the entire period of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral leg disorders, an acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder and personality disorder), residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson's disease, and microadenoma. The reasons are provided in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal for Parkinson's disease was withdrawn. The claim for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been reopened due to new evidence received since the March 1971 rating decision, which relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims of service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were not timely filed, resulting in the denial of his claims.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed Parkinson's disease, including whether it is related to his service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and Parkinson's disease cannot be granted as there is no evidence of record supporting these claims. The Veteran served in Korea during the Korean War, not Vietnam, and thus does not meet the criteria for presumptive exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran is granted higher initial disability ratings for manifestations of Parkinson's disease, including right upper and lower extremity tremors as well as psychiatric symptoms. The current ratings are in line with the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since August 12, 2011. The Board has granted TDIU effective that date.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current cardiac disability, to include Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome during the period of appeal. The condition is a congenital defect and did not undergo a superimposed disease or injury during military service.

The Veteran's asthma has been rated at 60 percent disabling. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as her condition does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 60 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD and Parkinson's disease have been granted increased ratings, earlier effective dates for various service connection determinations, TDIU, and SMC based on housebound criteria. The Veteran is also entitled to a 70 percent disability rating for impairment of the left upper extremity secondary to Parkinson's disease.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease is service-connected as it is caused by his service-connected disability, Parkinson's disease. The Veteran's depressive disorder is also service-connected as it is secondary to his service-connected Parkinson's disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for the appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, erectile dysfunction, and prostate cancer. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen previously denied claims for sleep apnea and coronary artery disease are also pending.

The Veteran is granted SMC by reason of being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities. His diabetes mellitus is rated 20 percent disabling, Parkinson's disease with residuals to include tremors in all extremities with bradykinesia, rigidity, hypokinetic dysarthria, and micrographia is rated 30 percent disabling (effective October 15, 2001), and he has additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more. The Veteran's TDIU rating based on Parkinson's disease with residuals to include tremors in all extremities with bradykinesia, rigidity, hypokinetic dysarthria, and micrographia is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for Parkinson's disease and SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is not yet resolved, as there is a pending notice of disagreement with the service connection issue. The case will be remanded to allow the Veteran to perfect his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have manifested in a permanent loss of use of his feet, and the Board finds that the criteria for entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only are met.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease is presumed to be related to his military service, including exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.