Paralysis agitans DC 8004
VA rates it under diagnostic code 8004 in 38 CFR 4.124a. Body system: Head & nerves.
Also searched as: Parkinson's disease, Parkinsons.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 8 rating levels for this code: 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.124a on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 30% | Minimum rating |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.124a, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) DC 8045 Established link
VA's TBI rule holds Parkinsonism, including Parkinson's disease, to be caused by a moderate or severe service-connected TBI.
What to gather: A Parkinsonism diagnosis and records showing how severe the TBI was when it happened (loss of consciousness, memory loss, imaging).
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310(d) (conditions VA holds to be caused by TBI)
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Agent Orange and herbicides
Covered: Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism.
Who qualifies: Any length of service in Vietnam, on its inland waterways, or within 12 nautical miles offshore (January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975); at a U.S. or Royal Thai base in Thailand (January 9, 1962 to June 30, 1976); in Laos (December 1, 1965 to September 30, 1969); at Mimot or Krek, Cambodia (April 16 to 30, 1969); on Guam or American Samoa or their waters (January 9, 1962 to July 31, 1980); on Johnston Atoll or a ship that called there (January 1, 1972 to September 30, 1977); in or near the Korean DMZ (September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971); with regular duty on C-123 aircraft that carried Agent Orange; or handling, testing, or storing Agent Orange.
38 CFR 3.307(a)(6) and 3.309(e). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Agent Orange exposure and disability compensation; VA.gov: The PACT Act and your VA benefits
Camp Lejeune contaminated water
Covered: Parkinson's disease.
Who qualifies: At least 30 days total (in a row or not) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. Veterans, reservists, and National Guard members qualify.
38 CFR 3.307(a)(7) and 3.309(f). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues
Related medications
Medications prescribed for it
A prescription shows the condition was diagnosed. It still needs its own link to service.
- Parkinson's medicines (for example selegiline, pramipexole, ropinirole, rasagiline). FDA labels: Selegiline (DailyMed)
- Selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar). FDA labels: Selegiline (DailyMed)
Check your claim
The claim finder asks about your service and current ratings, then lists conditions you may be able to claim. The calculator shows what a new rating does to your combined rating and monthly pay.
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
Not affiliated with the VA. VA decides ratings. Free help from an accredited VSO is available at no cost.