September 28, 2024
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of speaking at a national conference for VA neurologists and care team members dedicated to supporting Veterans with Parkinson’s disease. My goal was to share my personal journey and experiences with applying for VA benefits, highlighting the challenges our Veterans face. I’m proud to say that my presentation received a heartfelt standing ovation. Many attendees were visibly moved.
I have no doubt that our Veterans have access to excellent physicians, medications, and cutting-edge therapies. The VA excels at co-locating care teams, making it easier for those with Parkinson’s to connect with the necessary specialists.
This event also allowed me to learn more about the VA’s initiatives for Veterans with Parkinson’s and to voice my thoughts on potential improvements.
Challenges with Benefits
It’s disheartening to note that the talented doctors, epidemiologists, and Parkinson’s researchers within the VA’s Veterans Health Administration (VHA) have no direct interaction with the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA), which governs the policies determining eligibility for benefits. As it stands, changing the policy on service connection may require an act of Congress, a challenge I intend to tackle next.
This also makes me wonder how closely the Department of Defense is paying attention to all the health problems in our Veteran’s population. Military leaders have the power and responsibility to do whatever is possible to prevent the increased risks of cancers, suicide, neurologic and autoimmune diseases being experienced by our Veterans. Our current and future service members deserve better.
Current VA policy denies service connection for Parkinson’s disease unless a Veteran is diagnosed during active duty or within a year of discharge. Given that it can take 10 to 20 years for symptoms to manifest following toxic exposure, this policy is both illogical and unjust.
Numerous military bases worldwide have groundwater contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), leading to toxic plumes that affect nearby residents. Dr. Ray Dorsey, author of Ending Parkinson’s, delivered an enlightening talk on this issue, using my case as a prime example.
I served at seven bases with high TCE levels and worked as an aircraft maintenance officer with my offices located directly above maintenance shops. I also deployed to areas with hazardous conditions, including burn pits.
Despite this, my applications for VA service connection for Parkinson’s have been denied. Thousands of others share this experience; while some have successfully hired lawyers to secure benefits, this should be a presumptive service connection for all Veterans. No Veteran should have to endure the stress and expense of legal battles when ample scientific evidence supports their claims.
The Importance of Exercise
Exercise is a vital component in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease—something no medication or surgery has been shown to achieve. It was a little frustrating to attend talks on the “latest and greatest” treatments in which exercise was mentioned only in passing.
For everyone I know with Parkinson’s, exercise has been transformative. While my cohort may lean towards the athletic and outgoing, scientific data, including a study from Yale, suggests that exercise may even reverse disease progression.
I believe the VA is uniquely positioned to enhance the lives of Parkinson’s patients and set a precedent for health systems nationwide and globally. With dedicated funding for wellness programs, the VA can implement initiatives promoting exercise and camaraderie among Veterans, significantly improving both physical and mental health.
Every Veteran has experienced the rigor of daily physical training during their service, and many retain a competitive spirit, regardless of age. Programs that foster group exercise could lead the way in showing how to support Veterans effectively.
One exemplary model is InMotion in Cleveland, a nonprofit that provides free classes for people with Parkinson’s, supported by philanthropic donations. With around 1,000 clients, some who participate remotely through Zoom, InMotion conducts physical and cognitive assessments every six months, tailoring classes based on evidence that truly transform lives.
I’ve witnessed individuals undergo remarkable changes—improved mental health, enhanced physical well-being, and a supportive environment where people with Parkinson’s can share their stories and challenges informally, rather than in a traditional, somber support group.
InMotion offers the following classes for people with Parkinson’s and their leadership is excited to assist in helping others model their programs.
Classes offered at InMotion
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to share my story with those who genuinely care about our Veterans. I left the conference reinvigorated and committed to continue fighting for our heroes.
