Parkinson's Disease vs Parkinsonism

[Jayco]

Been diagnosed by one doctor that I have Parkinsonism, but in parentheses states most likely Parkinson's.  Another doctor diagnosed my condition as just Parkinson's.  For some reason VA has picked to rate me on Parkinsonism.   At my physical doctor said it was definitely Parkinson's.

Should I be concerned?  Does VA rate both conditions in the same manner?

Thanks.

 

 

[brokensoldier244th]

The two terms are synonymous. 

[broncovet]

According to Davis Phinney:

Quote

Parkinsonism, also called atypical Parkinson’s or Parkinson’s plus, is the umbrella term used to describe a group of neurological problems. Interestingly, Parkinson’s represents only 10-15% of all diagnosed cases of parkinsonism. Parkinson’s is caused mainly by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, while the causes of parkinsonism are numerous, ranging from the side effects of medications to chronic head traumas to metabolic diseases to toxins to neurological diseases.

Source:  https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/parkinsons-vs-parkinsonism/#:~:text=Parkinson's is caused mainly by,to toxins to neurological diseases.

For practical purposes, "its probably best" not to argue with VA about which one you have.  The way I read the above is that  your doc may have done you a favor with the Parkinsonism label.  

Has VA denied you on this, or is it about the disability percentage?  

Edited July 7, 2022 by broncovet

[GBArmy]

I definitely agree with Broncovet: claim them both. But most importantly, do an honest eval of your symptoms, as there are many additional residual disabilities that may apply. See a recent BVA decision Citation Nr. 1810586 dated 2-21-18 With Parkinson's, residuals are very important

[Jayco]

20 hours ago, broncovet said:

According to Davis Phinney:

Source:  https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/parkinsons-vs-parkinsonism/#:~:text=Parkinson's is caused mainly by,to toxins to neurological diseases.

For practical purposes, "its probably best" not to argue with VA about which one you have.  The way I read the above is that  your doc may have done you a favor with the Parkinsonism label.  

Has VA denied you on this, or is it about the disability percentage?  

Neither.  I just submitted the claim for Parkinson's and saw Parkinsonism.  It threw me.