The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and related symptoms, were granted effective as of August 10, 2022, based on the PACT Act. The effective date is set to the day after the enactment of the PACT Act.
The deciding factor: The effective date was established based on the provisions of the PACT Act which expanded presumptive exposure to Agent Orange to those who had service in Guam and applied retroactively to claims filed within one year of the PACT Act's enactment.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity balance impairment, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity and stiffness, complete loss of smell, difficulty chewing, swallowing, left side, right upper extremity movement disorder with bradykinesia, tremors, muscle rigidity and stiffness (dominant), left upper extremity movement disorder with bradykinesia, tremors, muscle rigidity and stiffness (non-dominant), right lower extremity balance impairment, partial loss of taste, loss of autonomic movements, right side, loss of autonomic movements, left side, speech changes, right side, speech changes, left side, sexual dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- March 16, 2026
- Citation
- A26023345
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26023345.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's Parkinson's disease and related disabilities have rendered him unable to live independently, requiring regular aid and assistance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from May 6, 2023.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for sexual dysfunction, to include erectile dysfunction and low sperm count, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions are inadequate and remands the case for further clarification on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused or aggravated his obstructive sleep apnea, including obesity.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for balance impairment, bradykinesia, freezing of gait, and dyskinesia in both lower extremities were denied as the evidence did not show marked muscle atrophy or complete paralysis.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.