Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease (paralysis agitans) is a progressive movement disorder causing tremor, stiffness, slowness, and balance problems. VA assigns a minimum 30 percent rating for the disease itself, and each ratable residual can be rated separately on top when that produces a higher combined result.
Presumptive condition — Agent Orange / herbicide exposure, Camp Lejeune contaminated water
Parkinson's disease is presumptive for veterans exposed to herbicides (Vietnam, Korean DMZ, and other qualifying locations - expanded by the PACT Act to include Thailand and additional sites) and for veterans with qualifying service at Camp Lejeune (August 1953 - December 1987). Early-onset parkinsonism after moderate/severe TBI is presumptively secondary under 38 CFR 3.310(d).
How the VA rates it
DC 8004 carries a minimum rating of 30 percent once service connection is established with ascertainable residuals. Because Parkinson's affects many body systems, VA can instead rate each residual separately - tremor and loss of motor function in each extremity (under the nerve paralysis codes), speech difficulty, swallowing problems, urinary or bowel dysfunction, depression or cognitive impairment, and more - and combine them. Veterans with multiple documented residuals usually end up well above 30 percent, and advanced cases can reach 100 percent combined.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Minimum rating for service-connected Parkinson's disease with ascertainable residuals. When individual residuals are rated separately and combine to more than 30 percent, the higher combined evaluation applies instead - each residual is rated under its own body system code (e.g., limb function under the peripheral nerve codes, voice/swallowing, mental health, bladder).
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression is extremely common with Parkinson's and is rated separately under the mental disorders schedule.
- Urinary Frequency — Bladder dysfunction is a common Parkinson's residual rated separately under the genitourinary schedule.
- Erectile Dysfunction — Autonomic dysfunction from Parkinson's commonly causes ED, ratable separately (usually 0 percent plus special monthly compensation).
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — Parkinsonism following moderate or severe TBI is presumptively secondary under 38 CFR 3.310(d).
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- List every residual on your claim - tremor in each limb, speech and swallowing problems, balance/gait, constipation, bladder issues, sleep disorder, depression, cognitive changes. Each can carry its own rating that combines above the 30 percent minimum.
- A neurologist's records documenting motor findings on each side of the body support separate extremity ratings under the nerve codes, with the bilateral factor.
- If you served in Vietnam, on the Korean DMZ, in Thailand, or at Camp Lejeune, cite the presumptive program - you do not need to prove a medical nexus, only qualifying service and the diagnosis.
- As the disease progresses, file for increase - and consider special monthly compensation for loss of use or aid and attendance in advanced disease.
Rating rules to know
You get the 30 percent minimum OR the combined rating of separately rated residuals, whichever is higher - not both, and the same manifestation cannot be rated twice under different codes.
More neurological conditions
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are recurring severe headaches, often with nausea and light sensitivity. VA rates them entirely on how often you have 'prostrating' attacks - attacks so severe you must stop what you are doing and lie down.
Rated up to 50%
Sciatic Radiculopathy (Lower Extremity)
Sciatic radiculopathy is nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the low back down the leg, usually caused by a spine condition pressing on the sciatic nerve root. VA rates it per leg based on how severe the nerve impairment is.
Rated up to 80%
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage in the feet, legs, or hands causing burning pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness - most often from diabetes. There is no single diagnostic code: VA rates each affected nerve in each extremity separately.
Rated up to 80%
Upper Extremity Radiculopathy (Cervical Radiculopathy)
Cervical radiculopathy is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand from a compressed nerve root. VA rates it per arm, with higher percentages for your dominant (major) arm.
Rated up to 70%
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. VA rates it per wrist under the median nerve code, with higher percentages for your dominant hand.
Rated up to 70%
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residuals
TBI residuals are the lasting effects of a head injury - problems with memory, concentration, mood, headaches, dizziness, and more. VA rates TBI with a unique facet-based system where your single worst area of impairment sets the rating.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.