Veterans
may be at an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) because of their
service. Evidence suggests that one cause of Parkinson’s disease may be
exposure to pesticides or herbicides. During the Vietnam War, many veterans
were exposed to Agent Orange, a mix of herbicides that was used by the US
military to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy. There are
other causes of Parkinson’s disease as well, and most people who develop
Parkinson’s disease were never exposed to high levels of pesticides or
herbicides.
For
more information, call the PADRECC/Consortium Hotline at 800-949-1001, x5769 or
visit their website www.parkinsons.va.gov
The
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) established six Parkinson’s Disease
Research, Education, and Clinical Centers or “PADRECCs”. Each PADRECC delivers
state-of-the-art clinical care, conducts innovative research, and offers
outreach and educational programs to all veterans currently enrolled in the VA
Healthcare System. Eligible veterans include those who have been diagnosed with
Parkinson’s disease and those who have just started to notice PD-like symptoms.
PADRECCs
also treat veterans diagnosed with other movement disorders, like essential
tremor. PADRECCs are located in Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR;
Seattle, WA; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA; and San Francisco, CA.
For
veterans who cannot travel to a PADRECC, the VA more than 51 Consortium
Centers—VA clinics that offer specialized Parkinson’s disease and
movement-disorder specialty care. These Centers are staffed by movement
disorder specialists or clinicians with vast experience and interest in the
field of movement disorders. These VA Consortium Centers work collaboratively
with the six PADRECCs to ensure the highest level of care for all veterans.
Agent
Orange
Veterans
exposed to Agent Orange during military service may be eligible for a free
Agent Orange Health Registry Exam. Registry health examination, healthcare
benefits, and disability compensation. Vietnam veterans with Parkinson’s
disease or other diseases possibly associated with Agent Orange may claim benefits
without having to prove that their conditions are due to Agent Orange exposure.
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