A Navy veteran has won a battle for compensation after being exposed to a chemical connected to Parkinson's disease.

The serviceman - who wants to remain anonymous - was exposed to the chemical TCE while degreasing and cleaning electronics during his service on a Navy Ship.

The man served from 1948 to 1960.

Parkinson's New Zealand chief executive Deirdre O'Sullivan says the serviceman will now receive a disability allowance.

"It's been a really, really exhausting process for him and his family. It's actually taken them many years of having to gather evidence."

Deirdre O'Sullivan said the case sets a welcome precedent, and she knows of other veterans with Parkinson's disease that were exposed to the chemical.