Veterans Resources for Parkinson's Disease

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Published by U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

This Act expanded coverage for veterans who served on Navy ships deployed to Vietnam and those working in the Korean Demilitarized Zone for any of several kinds of cancer and several other conditions (including PD and parkinsonism) related to Agent Orange and other herbicide 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.

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.

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.