Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes): VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes) as a presumptive condition in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group. The exposure it is tied to is: Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD). The presumption is effective January 1, 2021. It is governed by 38 USC § 1116(a)(2)(I); Public Law 116-283, div. H, title XCI, § 9109 (January 1, 2021).
A presumption removes one requirement and one only: the veteran does not have to prove a medical link between the condition and service. Everything else still applies. There must be a current diagnosis, the service has to meet the requirements below, and VA decides the claim on the evidence in the record.
What qualifies: Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes)
- Service era
- Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975); Korean DMZ; Thailand
- Service location
- Republic of Vietnam, Thailand (specified bases), Korean DMZ, Johnston Island
- Exposure
- Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD)
- Effective date
- January 1, 2021
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline for Agent Orange presumptives
- Diagnostic code
- 8004
Service required for this presumption
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. No minimum service duration required.
About this presumption
Parkinsonism (including Parkinson-like syndromes) is recognized as a separate presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange/tactical herbicides, distinct from Parkinson's Disease (DC 8004). Parkinsonism encompasses progressive motor disorders that share features with Parkinson's Disease but have distinct pathology and clinical courses: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and other atypical parkinsonian syndromes. Section 9109 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283, enacted January 1, 2021) added Parkinsonism to the statutory herbicide list at 38 USC § 1116(a)(2)(I), distinct from the previously listed Parkinson's Disease. 38 CFR § 3.309(e) does not yet carry it, so the statute is the authority for this presumption.
Evidence still needed
A presumption does not remove the evidence requirement. VA still needs a current diagnosis from a medical provider and service records that show the qualifying service above. What it removes is the medical opinion connecting the two.
Service records; neurologist diagnosis specifying the specific Parkinsonism subtype (PSP, CBD, MSA, DLB, or other atypical parkinsonian syndrome); clinical features distinguishing from idiopathic Parkinson's Disease; DaTscan or FDG-PET imaging if available; neuropsychological testing if cognitive features present; medication records.
Controlling legal authority
38 USC § 1116(a)(2)(I); Public Law 116-283, div. H, title XCI, § 9109 (January 1, 2021)
Related on VeteranHQ
- Paralysis agitans: 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 8004.
- VA presumptive conditions, explainedHow presumptive service connection works, and what it does not cover.
- All presumptive conditions by exposureAgent Orange, PACT Act, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War, and ionizing radiation.
Questions About Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes) as presumptive in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group, effective January 1, 2021, under 38 USC § 1116(a)(2)(I); Public Law 116-283, div. H, title XCI, § 9109 (January 1, 2021). A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
What service qualifies for the Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes) presumption?
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, or other qualifying herbicide exposure locations. No minimum service duration required. Service era: Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975); Korean DMZ; Thailand. Service location: Republic of Vietnam, Thailand (specified bases), Korean DMZ, Johnston Island.
What evidence is still needed for a Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes) claim?
Service records; neurologist diagnosis specifying the specific Parkinsonism subtype (PSP, CBD, MSA, DLB, or other atypical parkinsonian syndrome); clinical features distinguishing from idiopathic Parkinson's Disease; DaTscan or FDG-PET imaging if available; neuropsychological testing if cognitive features present; medication records. A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
Is there a filing deadline for Parkinsonism (Parkinson-Like Syndromes)?
No statutory deadline for Agent Orange presumptives
VeteranHQ publishes VA rules and the citations behind them. It does not prepare, file, or represent claims, and nothing here is legal advice or a prediction of what VA will decide.