Parkinson's disease decisions — 2019

The Board has ordered remand due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected psychoneurosis aggravated his Parkinson's Disease, which may affect his claim for cause of death.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance and for loss of use of the lower extremities due to his service-connected disabilities, which included Parkinson's disease and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease residuals are rated at the maximum available rating of 80 percent, effective from September 30, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and coronary artery disease due to exposure to herbicides at U-Tapao RTAB.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding whether his condition is atypical parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease, and its relationship to service exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right renal hematuria, Parkinson’s disease, and a skin condition due to new evidence being submitted after previous denials. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature of his claimed conditions and their possible relationships to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson’s Disease and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that there is no credible evidence to support his assertions of exposure to herbicide agents during service or a nexus between his conditions and active duty.

The Veteran died during the appeal process, and therefore his claims are dismissed as the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate them.

The Veteran's TBI and its residuals require regular aid and attendance, but not the higher level of care required for SMC T. The Board finds that without this aid and attendance, the Veteran would need to be placed in a hospital or other institutional care.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's Bell's Palsy and Parkinson's disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Parkinson's disease is related to his exposure to toxic chemicals during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence on file, and the Board is unable to make a determination without an additional VA examination.

The Board has remanded all reopened service connection claims for accrued benefits purposes due to the need for additional records and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The issues include cause of death, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD and depressive disorder, bowel condition, and Parkinson’s disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease due to a lack of verification of his claimed Vietnam service. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to verify the Veteran's reported TDY service in Vietnam, including by contacting the Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC) or other appropriate repositories.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease and related symptoms are rated, but the left knee disability remains unresolved. The Board has remanded for further development.