Parkinson's Disease — VA Disability Rating & Claim Guide
This is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with a VSO or accredited claims agent.
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The DBQ for Parkinson's Disease
Your C&P examiner fills out DBQ 21-0960C-1 (Parkinson's Disease) — the form that decides your rating. You can have your own doctor complete the same DBQ and submit it as evidence.
Have a C&P exam coming up? See exactly what the examiner will ask about Parkinson's Disease — and how to describe it.
Prep →2026 Compensation Rates
Monthly compensation for Parkinson's Disease, based on your overall combined VA disability rating.
| Rating | Monthly (Alone) | Monthly (w/ Spouse) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | — | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | — | $4,279.92 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $6,629.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $9,550.08 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $13,594.80 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | $17,220.24 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | $21,701.40 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | $25,225.80 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | $28,347.60 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $47,262.96 |
Common Symptoms
Document these symptoms in your claim. The more thoroughly you describe how they affect your daily life, the stronger your claim.
Functional Limitations
VA rates disabilities based on how they limit your ability to function. Describe these limitations in your personal statement.
Rating Criteria for Parkinson's Disease
Rating schedule under 38 CFR 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8004 (Paralysis agitans). Minimum rating 30%; residuals rated separately under their respective diagnostic codes and combined.. Criteria are simplified summaries; your specific rating depends on severity documented in your C&P exam.
Minimum rating for paralysis agitans (Parkinson's disease) under DC 8004, where ascertainable residuals are established. This 30% minimum covers the disease itself; identifiable residuals such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, speech and swallowing impairment, gait/balance impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and mood or cognitive impairment are evaluated SEPARATELY under their own diagnostic codes and combined with the minimum rating. Minimum ratings for the 8000-8025 series require ascertainable residuals; residuals not capable of objective verification must be approached on the basis of the recorded diagnosis.
Verified against 38 CFR Part 4, the official VA rating schedule. Reviewed July 2026.
Evidence Checklist
Gather these types of evidence before filing your claim. The strongest claims include multiple evidence types.
Common Treatments
Documenting ongoing treatment strengthens your claim and supports higher ratings.
Secondary Conditions Linked to Parkinson's Disease
These conditions are commonly claimed as secondary to Parkinson's Disease. A secondary condition can increase your overall combined rating and monthly compensation.
Parkinson's Disease as a Secondary Condition
Parkinson's Disease is commonly claimed secondary to these primary conditions:
Filing a Parkinson's Diseaseclaim? Don't skip these.
Most veterans filing for Parkinson's Disease should also be looking at:
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Other ways to work on your claim
›More Parkinson's Disease resources
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Secondary Condition Claim Guides
Detailed guides on claiming each secondary condition linked to Parkinson's Disease.
Parkinson's Disease Claim Guide by State
Find state-specific VA facilities, veteran benefits, and filing resources.
More free tools
Educational content, not professional advice
This article is published by Military Transition Toolkit for educational and planning purposes. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice. VA rating criteria, benefits, and regulations change — verify anything benefits-affecting against VA.gov, 38 CFR Part 4, or a VA-accredited representative (VSO, agent, or attorney) before filing.
MTT is an independent planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or any military branch.