Va Medical Care And Treatment For Pd
This page provides the location of the six PADRECCs, links and phone numbers to learn more about PADRECCs, check your eligibility for VA care, and apply.
There is also information about veterans eligibility to participate in research studies, including the Parkinsons Foundation PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinsons Disease study, with links to learn more and to sign up.
Berry LawAgent Orange
Parkinsons disease is a very serious progressive brain disorder, meaning it gradually gets worse over time. According to Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit medical center, typical symptoms associated with the disease include tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, balance problems, loss of automatic movements, speech changes, and writing changes.
Anybody who has been diagnosed with Parkinsons is dealing with a serious disorder that can drastically change your life. However, Veterans may be able to receive VA disability for Parkinsons disease if they can prove it was caused by military service.
Qualifying For Va Disability
If you get diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, youve completed the first step to qualifying for VA disability compensation. In order to qualify, you need to do three things. Get a diagnosis, point to an event in your service record that could have caused your condition, and prove a medical connection between the two.
There are some exceptions to this rule, called presumptive conditions, which well discuss later.
Once you have a diagnosis, you must be able to show proof that during your military service, there was an incident or circumstance that could have caused your condition. Your doctor will then need to confirm that this incident or circumstance was likely what triggered your condition. For instance, even if you had a brief back strain during basic training, you cant claim VA disability for paralysis that was the result of a car accident twenty years after you left the service.
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Factors Outside Of General Requirements
Outside of the general requirements to qualify for VA disability benefits in the first place, there are several factors the VA looks at.
These factors, taken as a whole, dictate the compensation rating you will receive. The benefits are distributed using a rate between 0% and 100% at 10% increments.
The VA uses a complex formula to make their determination. You can find the relevant factors . Still, here are some of the more notable factors that can increase your disability rating if applicable:
- If you are suffering from more than one disability at the same time
- If your Parkinsons disease worsens
- The way and degree to which Parkinsons is impeding your life and ability to work
- Changes in Social Security benefits to counter inflation
- If you have children, a spouse, and other dependents
- If your spouse or dependents have a disability and
- If you lose a limb or the ability to use a bodily function .
All of those factors will impact your VA disability compensation rating. After your initial rating, you can periodically apply to increase your rating.
Similarly, there are some circumstances in which the VA can lower your rating. Typically, rate reductions dont apply to Parkinsons disease claims because Parkinsons worsens over time. Still, it is something you should be aware of.
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Do You Have Ascertainable Residuals Of Parkinsons Disease
If yes, then you must receive a minimum 30% rating under Diagnostic Code 8004 .
What is an ascertainable residual?
A very basic explanation is that an ascertainable residual is a symptom you can see or that are capable of lay observation. Things like gait, tremors, speech, loss of smell, dementia, et cetera.
Which brings us to the next Step.
What If I Have More Questions About My Va Claim
I understand you want your VA claim to be done as quickly as possible. But remember the ultimate goal to win your VA disability compensation claim.
You may eventually get there on your own, but it may be after a series of decisions by the Regional Office and Board of Veterans Appeals. Sometimes claims are appealed and remanded several times, which can cause a claim to drag on for years. If you are interested in avoiding unnecessary delay in your claim and want to do everything you can to maximize your chances of success, it is probably a good idea for you to consult with an accredited veterans disability attorney.
We would be happy to talk to you. If you would like a free consultation with our Perkins Studdard veterans disability attorneys just click here or give us a call to begin the process.
Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims. He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.
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Va Disability Compensation And Parkinsons Disease
Presumptive Service Connection for Parkinsons
Creating a presumption is VAs way of making an exception to the usual requirements for service connection. Often used for toxic exposures that affected large groups of veterans, VA will automatically presume that veterans in a certain place during a certain time period were exposed to toxins . Presumptive conditions are diseases or disabilities that VA automatically assumes are related to the acknowledged exposure, meaning the veteran does not have to provide a medical nexus, or link, between the toxic exposure and the resulting condition .
Parkinsons disease is currently listed as a presumptive condition for veterans who served:
- in Vietnam for any length of time between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or
- in the Korean Demilitarized Zone for any length of time between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971, or
- at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between the August 1953 and December 1987.
If you served in one of these locations during the specified time period, you need only show VA documentation of where you served and that you have a current diagnosis of Parkinsons disease to prove your claim.
Service Connection for Parkinsons without a Presumption
Exposure to burn pits: Parkinsons can also present in veterans who were exposed to burn pits in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations after September 11, 2001.
Are There Additional Parkinsons Disability Benefits For Veterans
Veterans that have received a service-related Parkinson’s diagnosis are eligible for benefits according to their level of impairment, as denoted by their disability rating.
Due to the condition’s irreversible damage and its debilitating symptoms, diagnosed veterans may be impacted to an extensive degree that qualifies them for additional disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Recognized by the VA as a presumptive disease that can result from toxic exposure, Parkinson’s may incapacitate veterans to the point where compensations based on disability rating don’t adequately cover the cost of living. Many other herbicides like paraquat are believed to increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The VA currently provides afflicted veterans with two avenues of claiming supplementary benefits to address their needs:
- Individual Unemployability
- Special Monthly Compensation
Veterans with a service-related Parkinson’s diagnosis receive an automatic 30% disability rating that qualifies them for Social Security compensation. However, if the symptoms prevent them from engaging in gainful employment within a competitive work environment, veterans may be entitled to Individual Unemployability, which provides benefits afforded for 100% disability ratings.
SMC is not a separate claim but part of the initial appeal and is meant to compensate veterans for factors other than earning capacity, such as:
- Personal inconvenience
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What To Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If your VA disability claim is denied, dont worry you still have avenues to appeal that decision. If needed, you can even appeal your case up to the BVA in Washington, D.C. The most important thing is to stay organized and refuse to take no for an answer.
If your claim has been denied, it may be a good idea to hire a lawyer who specializes in VA disability compensation to help you with your case. There are a number of deadlines, loopholes, and requirements that can be tricky to navigate on your own. Not only can an experienced lawyer help you win your appeal, but they may also be able to get you more compensation than you thought you were owed.
Here is what we do to help you with your VA disability appeal.
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The Right Legal Guidance Can Make The Difference In Getting Disability Benefits For Parkinsons Disease
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we can help you prepare an initial SSDI or LTD application for the best possible outcome. If youve already been denied benefits for Parkinsons, our attorneys will develop and file a solid appeal to rebut a wrongful claim denial.
Our accredited veterans claims lawyers help vets across the U.S. get their rightful benefit payments approved in the shortest amount of time possible.
We have helped hundreds of claimants with Parkinsons disease get disability benefits. and as we analyze your situation, we identify and fix critical information gaps in any of part of your claim including missing medical data or incomplete vocational and functional evidence. We work in cooperation with your treating physicians and may enlist the assistance of qualified vocational experts, and much more.You must never give up. Call us toll free at or request a Free Legal Consultation to learn how we can help. Parkinsons is a serious disability, and we are able to assist you wherever you live.
About Marc Whitehead
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Presumptive Service Connection For Parkinsons:
The VA may presume your PD is connected to your military service. Veterans who develop Parkinsons disease and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides or contaminants during military service do not have to prove a connection between their disease and service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation.
UPDATE: As of January 2020, the VA extended the presumption of Agent Orange exposure and other toxic herbicides to Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans, and to veterans who served in or near the Korean DMZ . H.R.299 Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.
Veterans with Parkinsons disease who served in the following locations and specified times need not prove they were exposed to VA-recognized toxins to get disability compensation:
- Exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam: Veterans who set foot in Vietnam, and veterans serving aboard ships operating on the close coastal waters and inland waterways of Vietnam, and as of January 2020, Blue Water Veterans for any duration between January 9, 1962 May 7, 1975, or
- Exposure to Agent Orange in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone for any duration between April 1, 1968 August 31, 1971, or
Exposure to Contaminated Water, Marine Base Camp Lejeune, NC for at least 30 days between August 1953 December 1987 .
We have more information about Blue Water Veterans.
Agent Orange & Parkinsons Disease
Agent Orange was used in chemical warfare during the Vietnam War. Since then, Vietnam veterans have developed a variety of symptoms related to Agent Orange exposureincluding Parkinsons Disease.
There is research that is starting to show exposure to certain chemicals do cause Parkinsons Disease, and some of those chemicals such as TCE and PCE have been found in the water of Camp Lejeune. There is also evidence that Agent Orange herbicide exposure causes Parkinsons, which the VA has now conceded. Parkinsons Disease is one of the presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange that the VA recognizes.
According to the Parkinsons Foundation, the main chemical in Agent Orange, called dioxin, is the main culprit in causing disease.
Agent Orange has also been linked to respiratory cancer, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and chronic b-cell leukemias. This service connection is particularly prevalent for Vietnam War veterans.
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Common Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Because Parkinsons is a progressive disease, the symptoms vary in manifestation and duration. Listed below are signs of Parkinsons at the initial/mild stage, the secondary/moderate stage, and advanced stage. We also cover parkinson-like symptoms.
Initial/Mild Sign of Parkinsons:
- Rigidity stiffness & inflexibility of the limbs, neck & trunk
- Postural Instability tendency to be unstable when standing upright
- Change in posture and facial expressions
Secondary/Moderate Signs of Parkinsons:
- Freezing the temporary sensation of ones feet being glued to the floor
Va Disability Rating Schedules
If your application gets approved, your condition will be evaluated on a disability rating schedule. This system is designed to give the VA a way to objectively measure how severely your condition impacts your life. Your disability rating will determine how much monthly compensation you receive from the VA.
Parkinsons Disease carries an automatic 30 percent disability rating under the VA schedule. However, this does not account for all of the symptoms you may experience because of your condition. Each of your symptoms will receive its own disability rating, and these will be combined to get your overall disability rating.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Disability For Parkinsons
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer on how long it will take you get to get disability benefits for Parkinsons.
After your initial SSDI application is complete, it will take the SSA around 3-5 months to get back to you with a decision regarding your claim.
The exact time varies depending on the time it takes for you to get all of your medical records and information over to the SSA to make a decision.
If the SSA denies your application, you are able to appeal the decision, but that will prolong the time it takes for you get disability for Parkinsons.
The more medical evidence and documentation you have to support your claim with Parkinsons, the shorter time it could take for you to get the benefits you deserve.
Service Connection For Parkinsons Disease
If youre a veteran experiencing Parkinsonism symptoms, you may wonder if you can receive a service connection for Parkinsons disease. The answer is that you may be eligible for service connection even if you have not yet been diagnosed with the condition.
According to the VA, veterans should not have to wait for their condition to worsen before filing for benefits. Therefore, if you have documented symptoms of Parkinsons, you may be eligible for a service connection.
To support your claim, you will need to provide evidence of your symptoms and how they are impacting your life. For example:
- medical records documenting your symptoms,
- statements from friends or family members attesting to the changes theyve observed in you,
- or a personal statement detailing how your symptoms have affected your life.
Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim if youre seeking a service connection for Parkinsons disease.
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Pension Extras: Aid And Attendance And Housebound
If you receive a military pension and have PD, you may be able to receive extra pension money. Check the VAs pension website if you are unsure whether youre eligible for a military pension.
The 2 types of extra payment are Aid and Attendance and Housebound. You can receive one or the other, but not both at the same time.
These extra payments count toward your pension eligibility. If you arent eligible for pension because of higher income levels, these payments may push you over the cutoff rate and make you eligible after all.
Visit the VAs A& A and Housebound Pension webpage for full details and instructions for applying.
Impairment Ratings And Veterans Parkinsons Disease
If you look for Parkinsons in the Impairment Rating Tables , you wont find a listing for Parkinsons Disease.
Theres 2 reasons for that.
First, the VA rates symptoms, not conditions.
Second, Parkinsons is one of those conditions that can have a LOT of residual symptoms it can affect every part of your nervous system: from information processing speeds, to gait/walk, speech, use of arms/hands, inability to process smells/odors, etc.
In the worst cases, we see Veterans with dementia that results from Parkinsons Disease, too.
So, how do you make sure that the VA properly rates your Parkinsons Disease.
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How To Win Va Disability Benefits With Parkinsons Disease
While applying for the VA disability benefits for Parkinsons disease is often a simple process, this is not always the case. Sometimes, even with presumptive conditions, the VA can seriously misjudge a disabilitys impact on ones life. If they underestimate your disability rating, you either have to accept the lower rating or go through an appeal process.
The appeal process is a daunting one, and one that you do not want to go into alone. If you have to appeal your disability rating, call a VA disability attorney for help as soon as possible. They will help you document your symptoms and negotiate on your behalf throughout the entire process.
Better than hiring a lawyer when you decide to appeal your disability rating is consulting with an attorney when you decide to file for VA disability benefits. By consulting with an experienced VA disability benefits lawyer first, you are more likely to avoid filing an appeal later on.
Parkinsons And Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury occurs when brain function is disrupted by a traumatic event such as an IED blast, gunshot, car accident, etc. There has been a substantial increase in TBIs among service members since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The VA diagnoses a TBI as mild, moderate, or severe based on the severity of their symptoms.
If Parkinsons Disease develops at any point following a moderate or severe TBI, the veteran will be presumptively service-connected for it.
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