Understanding VA Ratings for Parkinson’s Disease and Secondary Conditions
Posted by Gregory M. Rada | April 21, 2025 | Firm News
Learn how the VA rates Parkinson’s disease and its secondary conditions for disability compensation. Understand eligibility, presumptive service connections, and how to maximize your benefits.
Table of Contents
- VA Disability Rating for Parkinson’s Disease
- Secondary Conditions Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
- Presumptive Service Connection for Parkinson’s Disease
- Maximizing Your VA Disability Benefits
- How After Service LLC Can Assist You
VA Disability Rating for Parkinson’s Disease
The VA evaluates Parkinson’s disease under Diagnostic Code 8004, assigning a minimum disability rating of 30%. However, this base rating doesn’t account for the various symptoms and complications associated with the disease.
Key Symptoms Considered:
- Tremors
- Muscle rigidity
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
- Postural instability
- Speech difficulties
- Swallowing issues
- Cognitive impairments
- Mood disorders
Each of these symptoms can be evaluated separately under the VA’s rating schedule, potentially increasing the overall disability rating well beyond the initial 30%.
Secondary Conditions Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease can lead to or worsen other health conditions that may also be compensable under VA disability benefits as secondary service-connected conditions. Many veterans don’t realize that once Parkinson’s disease is service-connected, they may also be entitled to additional ratings for the various complications it causes—such as difficulty with speech, swallowing, walking, balance, fine motor skills, memory, concentration, and even depression. Each of these symptoms can potentially receive its own disability rating. And as Parkinson’s progresses, that list of associated conditions often grows.
Common Secondary Conditions:
- Depression and Anxiety: Mental health impacts from chronic illness.
- Sleep Disorders: Such as REM sleep behavior disorder or insomnia.
- Autonomic Dysfunction: Causing constipation, blood pressure issues, or urinary incontinence.
- Orthopedic Issues: Like falls resulting in injury or joint deterioration.
- Cardiovascular Complications: Including arrhythmias and heart disease.
To receive compensation for these conditions, a veteran must show that the secondary condition is “proximately due to or the result of” their service-connected Parkinson’s. Medical nexus letters can be essential for proving these links.
Presumptive Service Connection for Parkinson’s Disease
The VA automatically presumes a service connection for Parkinson’s disease in veterans with certain exposures, making it easier to qualify for benefits.
Presumptive Exposure Scenarios Include:
- Agent Orange Exposure: Veterans who served in Vietnam, the Korean DMZ, or other Agent Orange locations.
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination: Veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987.
These presumptive conditions eliminate the need to prove direct causation between service and Parkinson’s, expediting the claims process.
Maximizing Your VA Disability Benefits
Veterans can take several steps to ensure they receive the highest rating and all entitled benefits:
- Maintain detailed medical records that document your symptoms and how they affect your life.
- Identify and document secondary conditions with supporting medical evidence.
- Request evaluations from specialists such as neurologists to ensure full documentation of Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Understand the VA rating criteria and how each symptom might qualify for a separate rating.
- Consider Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if Parkinson’s impacts your ability to work full-time.
How After Service LLC Can Assist You
At After Service LLC, we focus exclusively on helping veterans win VA disability benefits. Parkinson’s disease and its secondary conditions are complex, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
We offer:
- Free case evaluations to identify all possible claims.
- Help gathering strong medical evidence including nexus letters and specialist evaluations.
- Experienced representation throughout the claim and appeal process.
If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease related to military service, don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation today and let us fight for the benefits you earned.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized assistance, please contact After Service LLC directly.
