Veterans Resources for Parkinson’s
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that 110,000 veterans have Parkinson's disease (PD). In response, the VA has established six Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs) in Philadelphia, Richmond, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland/Seattle. In addition, a network of 51 Consortium Centers offer veterans and their care partners administrative assistance, professional collaboration, and educational support from PADRECCs. Veterans who cannot visit a PADRECC facility can be treated at their nearest Consortium Center or through telemedicine.
These resources help you understand the relationship between military exposures and Parkinson’s disease, clinical care for Parkinson’s disease at the VA, how to apply for benefits or get help doing so, and more.
Veterans and PD
Helping Those Who Serve: Parkinson's Disease Information for the Veteran's Community
Published by American Parkinson Disease Association, 2020
This 40-page booklet provides information about PD, its symptoms, how it is treated, and the benefits available to you as a veteran of the United States armed services. Also included is information about the PADRECCs that are centers of excellence for PD treatment, as well as the national consortium of regional treatment centers.
Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECC)
Published by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This webpage provides brief information about making an appointment at a PADRECC, Parkinson's Disease (PD) and military exposure, several support groups for veterans with PD, PD educational information, and the phone number to the VA National Caregiver Support Line.
Parkinson Disease and the Veteran Community
By American Parkinson Disease Association, November 10, 2021
In this one-hour webinar, movement disorder specialist Ruth Walker, MD, discusses the relationship between military exposures and PD, clinical care for PD at the VA, and scientific research into military exposures and PD. Additionally, you’ll hear directly from a veteran living with PD.
Veterans and Parkinson's Disease
Published by Parkinson's Foundation, 2024
This two-page fact sheet gives an overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD) among veterans, explores possible causes including environmental exposures during service, and provides links to VA services.
Stories
My Parkinson's Story Videos
By U.S Department of Veteran's Affairs
This series of 16 short videos (each under 10 minutes), posted by NW PADRECC Portland/Seattle, highlights different aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) from the perspective of veterans and care partners. Topics include DBS, depression, early PD, falls, thinking and memory, sleep, environmental exposure, genetics, advanced PD, impulsive behaviors, caregiving, driving, exercise, medications, hospitalization, and speech and swallowing.
Disability Claims
Resources for Veterans with Parkinson's Disease
By Parkinson's Foundation, October 1, 2024
In this 90-minute webinar, several presenters provide a summary of resources for veterans with PD and VA disability benefits.
VA Disability Compensation for Veterans with Parkinson's
Published by American Parkinson Disease Association
This comprehensive webpage summarizes VA disability compensation benefits, who is eligible, what determines a monthly benefit amount, Presumptive Service Connection for Parkinson's and service connection for Parkinson's without a presumption, how to file a claim, and what to do if your claim is approved or denied.
Aid & Attendance Plus Other Benefits
Service Dog / Guide Dog Benefits Rules
By U.S Department of Veteran's Affairs, Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services
This two-page fact sheet explains the VA’s policies and benefits related to guide and service dogs, including veterinary care and equipment replacement. A supplemental FAQ covers eligibility, the application process, and how service dogs differ from therapy animals.
Understanding Your VA Benefits
By Neuro Challenge, March 2021
This one-hour webinar features representatives from County Veterans Services in Florida. Topics include who qualifies for disability compensation for Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism, how to file a claim (even after a denial), and why to seek help from County Veterans Services. The presentation also covers qualifications and application details for Nonservice-Connected Pensions, including Aid and Attendance and Widow’s Pension.
Veterans Benefits
By Parkinson's Foundation
This webpage outlines eligibility for veterans benefits and provides links to the Veterans Benefits Administration and VA benefits webpages. It includes information on VA financial aid programs such as pensions, Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance, VA healthcare, and service-connected disability compensation. Links are also provided to organizations including Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, along with resources on VA geriatrics and extended care programs and how to apply for benefits.
Service in Vietnam
Agent Orange & Other Toxic Exposures
By Parkinson's Foundation
This webpage has a brief overview of Agent Orange, who may have been exposed, a link to the VA page on eligibility and hazardous materials, the phone number for the Agent Orange Helpline, a list of exposure locations, and other service-related causes of Parkinson's symptoms.
Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019
Published by U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 expands coverage for veterans who served on Navy ships deployed to Vietnam and those working in the Korean Demilitarized Zone for any of the 14 conditions related to herbicide exposure. This webpage provides details and links to help Veterans with questions about benefits or filing a claim.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Expands Benefits for People with Parkinsonism Associated with Agent Orange Exposure
By Christina Destro. Published by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, June 11, 2021
This is a single-page article about The Michael J. Fox Foundation's encouragement of the passing of legislation and implementation of that legislation to provide health care and benefits for veterans who served in the military in Southwest Asia with Parkinsonism related to Agent Orange exposure. Agent Orange is an herbicide that was used by the U.S. military to destroy unwanted plants.
Veteran's Day Bonus Episode
By Parkinson's Foundation, November 22, 2020
This eight-minute episode of the Substantial Matters podcast is in honor of Veterans Day. Listen to retired Army nurse and author Lou Eisenbrandt's story about her experience as a Vietnam Veteran whose Parkinson's is a result of exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange during the war.
California Resources
California County Veterans Service Offices
Published by CalVet
County Veterans Services Offices are agencies which provide California's veterans with assistance and connection to benefits and services in local communities throughout the state. Find your local County Veterans Services Office with this search tool.
Last updated October 2025 by Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach.