Medical Care & Treatment

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) treats veterans with Parkinson’s through Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education & Clinical Centers (PADRECCs). PADRECCs offer care to all veterans currently enrolled in the VA Health Care System. Developed in 2001, these medical centers treat PD using state-of-the-art clinical care, education, research and national outreach and advocacy.

The six PADRECC centers are located in VA Medical Centers in:

• Philadelphia, PA
• Richmond, VA
• Houston, TX
• West Los Angeles, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Portland, OR/Seattle, WA (both sites combined are the Northwest PADRECC)

PADRECCs are staffed by internationally known movement disorder specialists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, researchers, educators, social workers and other PD experts.

PADRECCs also coordinate a network of Associated Sites that ensure accessible and specialized PD care for veterans. There are currently over 50 Associated Sites that work collaboratively with the PADRECCs to ensure the highest level of care for all veterans. Veterans who cannot visit a PADRECC facility can be treated at their nearest Associated Site. Together, PADRECCs and Associated Sites provide Parkinson’s care within the VA system.

Veterans who cannot travel to a PADRECC facility or Associated Site can also be treated through telemedicine. Ask either your VA primary care provider or your VA neurologist to make a referral for a Video Visit with your nearest PADRECC using an inter-facility consult (IFC).

Learn more about PADRECCs at www.parkinsons.va.gov or 1-800-949-1001, ext. 205769. To check your eligibility for VA care and to apply visit www.va.gov/health-care.

Veterans and Parkinson’s Research

Often times, veterans with Parkinson’s are eligible to participate in clinical trials and other research opportunities. Before enrolling in a study, speak with your doctor and if possible, share study details.

Veterans are also eligible to enroll in the Parkinson’s Foundation PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease study. This is the first-of-its-kind national initiative that offers genetic testing for clinically relevant Parkinson's-related genes and genetic counseling at no cost for people with a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Sign up for PD GENEration today. Please note that this is a Parkinson’s Foundation study and is not sponsored by the VA.