The use of Agent Orange and similar herbicides in Vietnam exposed many veterans to toxic chemicals. VA has acknowledged that this exposure can cause a number of different diseases. Parkinson’s disease is one of the diseases that Agent Orange exposure causes.
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system. Men and women that suffer from Parkinson’s disease often experience tremors. They also experience slowness of movement. Doctors can treat Parkinson’s disease with medication, but it is progressive.
Presumption that Parkinson’s disease was caused by Agent Orange exposure
Parkinson’s disease is on the list of conditions that VA presumes are caused by Agent Orange exposure. When you file a claim, VA should determine that your Parkinson’s disease is a service-connected disability. If they do not, then you are probably going to need to file a notice of disagreement to appeal your denial of service connection. If VA grants service connection, they should issue a rating decision giving VA’s opinion on the amount of your disability.
How is the disability rating for Parkinson’s disease calculated?
VA’s rating decision will contain a disability rating. Generally, each condition has a separate diagnostic code, which is a four-digit number and name.
But, if you look in the ratings tables, you will not find Parkinson’s disease listed by that name. Instead, Parkinson’s disease is rated using code 8004 – Paralysis agitans. This diagnostic code assigns a 30% rating, but that is a minimum rating. But, most veterans with Parkinson’s disease should receive a rating higher than the 30% minimum. Because rating Parkinson’s is as complex as the disease itself, I wrote this article that focuses exclusively on Parkinson’s disease ratings.
What if the rating decision is incorrect?
Your rating decision from VA may be wrong. VA might determine that your Parkinson’s disease is not service-connected because there was no event or diagnosis during your time of service. But, direct service-connection (often through an Agent Orange presumption) is only one way to achieve your goal.
There are other means to service-connection that we will talk about in future blogs. If VA has granted service-connection and rated you for Parkinson’s disease, there is a very good chance your rating is too low since there are so many separate sets of symptoms that VA must evaluate as part of this multi-faceted disease.
If you think your rating decision is wrong, you can appeal the decision by filing a notice of disagreement. Also, you can file for an increased rating if your Parkinson’s disease gets worse.
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.
You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.
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Jason is the best Worker’s compensation attorney in Carrollton! And his law partner, Travis, is the best veteran’s disability attorney in Carrollton too! Together, the team of Perkins Studdard fights for their clients like family!Alex Weatherby
When i found this law firm I was going through a hard time not just with the VA but mentally as well. And after i hard denial i reached out to Travis and let me just say that was the best decision of my life. From the first call i knew i had made the right decision they are nothing short of amazing. Shoutout to Jessica and Chandler they both helped ease my stress and make the process so smooth it felt really good to be heard. My only mistake was not reaching out to them sooner. Thank you all so very muchRilesia Singleton
Perkins Studdard LLC has done for me what VSO, the DAV, and I could not do on my own. For 10 years after my last rating the VA was bound and determined to keep me at my current percentage. My body was tired physically and mentally. I needed help that the civilian world was not going to let me stop work for. I contacted Perkins Studdard and worked with Jessica and Travis. To tell you what I ever hoped for was greatly exceeded. I am able to now properly heal since 2007 when I was medically discharged. I promise when we feel like we are forgotten you have people like Travis and Jessica that work hard for you to make sure you are not. Their policy on pay is exceptional and even when I got aggravated they understood how to keep me calm and helped my patience. I think the VA does not like to see them coming. I got the holy grail, home run, I can breath decision I needed. Let them help you!Lisa Trumbauer
I have enjoyed my experience with Perkins Studdard. The team is always available to answer questions and make me feel comfortable, and like I matter. Did a great job with my VA Disability.Matt Strange
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This law firm did a great job and listened to all my concerns and had compassion for my case. They directed me through this process with graceTara Dean
The care, knowledge and professionalism shown by Jason and Tina of Perkins Studdard were beyond reproach. I was informed and updated through every phase of the process and the overall outcome was to my advantage. I highly recommend that if you ever have the need for a workman's comp or VA compensation attorney, Perkins Studdard are the ones that you need to call hands down. True concerned knowledgeable professionals.S Oz
Extremely happy, after many years of uncertainty.
Very thankful for all their support helping me get what I deserve! From the VADibujando con FJ
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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.
