Information About Diabetes Secondary Conditions
This page has conditions secondary to Agent Orange Diabetes. What this means is if you had diabetes prior to any of these conditions you can file for disabilities related to Agent Orange. More: Email Bob:bob[at]vetshome[dot]com CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: In this chronic disease, atherosclerosis narrows the coronary arteries, the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. As the coronary arteries narrow, the chest pain called angina may be triggered. And the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction), which occurs when a coronary artery is blocked completely, is increased. Coronary artery disease currently affects 11 million people in the United States. 7000 Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease): 1. Service connection is in effect for Type II diabetes mellitus. 2. There is competent evidence of record of the current existence of sleep apnea. 3. The preponderance of the competent evidence of record demonstrates that there is a medical nexus between the service-connected diabetes and the current sleep apnea on the basis of aggravation. Sleep apnea is aggravated by the service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus. 38 U.S.C.A. 1110 (West 2002); 38 C.F.R. 3.102, 3.303, 3.310 (2009), Allen v. Brown, 7 Vet. App. 439 (1995). REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION Applicable law provides that service connection will be granted if it is shown that the veteran suffers from disability resulting from an injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, or for aggravation of a preexisting injury suffered or disease contracted in line of duty, in the active military, naval, or air service. 38 U.S.C.A. 1110; 38 C.F.R. 3.303.Service connection may be established on a secondary basis for a disability which is proximately due to or the result of servic Continue reading >>
Three Ways To Win An Increased Rating For Service Connected Diabetes
Three Ways to Win an Increased Rating for Service Connected Diabetes The complex variety of diabetes complications and treatments present opportunities for veterans already service connected for diabetes to seek increased ratings. Because each higher rating criteria includes the same criteria as the lower rating plus a distinct new criterion, a higher disability rating will not be assigned unless you demonstrate all of the required criteria of the higher rating. This differs from other ratings schedules where you might be able to prevail by showing you exhibit the majority of symptoms in the rating tier. VA ratings for diabetes mellitus are as follows: Restricted diet or hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet Episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetes care provider Complications that would not be compensable if separately evaluated Regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) Episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider Either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated Consider the following ways to win an increased rating for service-connected diabetes: A secondary condition is a condition that is due to, or caused by, the presence of a preceding primary condition. Diabetes is a condition with many secondary conditions. Diabetes can lead to a higher frequency and earlier onset of, among other things, peripheral vascular disease, coronary arteriosclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and premature cataracts of the eyes. These are secondary manifestations because they are due Continue reading >>
Va Diabetes Ratings | Veterans Resources
Discussion in ' Diabetes ' started by stumpy , Jun 26, 2004 . Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted 100 diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated.......................... Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of 60 activities with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider, plus complications that would not be compensable if separately evaluated.................................................... Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of 40 activities................................................... Requiring insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic 20 agent and restricted diet.................................... Manageable by restricted diet only............................ 10 Note (1): Evaluate compensable complications of diabetes separately unless they are part of the criteria used to support a 100 percent evaluation. Noncompensable complications are considered part of the diabetic process Note (2): When diabetes mellitus has been conclusively diagnosed, do not request a glucose tolerance test solely for I have no idea what you mean by a D&C unless you are having female problems . You must mean Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. Is that right? The normal procedure is to file a claim for compensation due to service connected (SC) disabilities with the nearest Veterans Admini Continue reading >>
Secondary Conditions
Jim; Not sure if you have seen this yet. Ive attached an invitation one of our clients received inviting him to participate in the RAMP program. We had to read it about 5 times to understand everything, so I would highly recommend any veteran getting one of these to seek the advice of a rep or attorney. We can definitely see where making the wrong selection could be detrimental. We're happy to offer free evaluations to any veteran who gets a RAMP letter . /s/ Julie Glover 3.310 Disabilities that are proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected disease or injury. (a) General. Except as provided in 3.300(c), disability which is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall be service connected. When service connection is thus established for a secondary condition, the secondary condition shall be considered a part of the original condition. Thanks for visiting the VAWatchdog! Can we help you find something? We've built a search engine specifically for veterans to use. Please type in a key word or a phrase in the custom search engine above & click the search icon. Board of Veterans Appeals decisions are required reading for the veteran involved in a claim or an appeal. You should recognize that BVA decisions do not establish precedent.Inlegal systems based on common law, aprecedent, or authority, is a principle or rule established in a previouslegalcase that is either binding on or persuasive for a court or other tribunal when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues or facts. At VA and BVA every case is decided on its own merit. When you find a case similar to yours, you'll want to read it through and learn what that veteran did to win his appeal or if the case was denied, why? If you pattern your case in a way similar to Continue reading >>
Secondary Disability May Warrant Compensation
Secondary disability may warrant compensation Sometimes the disability a veteran is experiencing is not a direct result of their military service, but a complication resulting from their service-connected disability. These secondary conditions may also be eligible for compensation. Disability compensation is a tax-free cash benefit paid by Veterans Affairs to veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service. Generally, the degrees of disability are specified by the VA to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbation or illness. Secondary claims are for disabilities that developed as a result of or were worsened by another service-connected condition. In other words, it is recognized that a service-connected disability may cause a second disability. This second disability may not otherwise be considered service-connected. An example of these secondary disabilities could be a veteran who has a service-connected knee injury that causes him or her to walk with a limp or altered gait. The veteran subsequently develops arthritis in the hip. Although the arthritic condition did not incur during or was not aggravated by their time in the service, a service-connection may still be established if the arthritis is a result of the knee condition. Another example could be a veteran who was in the Army for 20 years. During her military service, she was diagnosed with hypertension. After her discharge, a service-connection disability was est Continue reading >>
How Do Secondary Service-connected Disabilities Work?
You are here: Home / Veterans Disability Benefits / How Do Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities Work? How Do Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities Work? This page explains how secondary service-connected disabilities work. The information below is organized by disability and then explains what disabilities may be connected to it. If you have questions after reading the information below, you can always call us for a free VA disability claim evaluation. For help, dial toll-free(866) 232-5777 or just fill out thecontact form . About Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities When applying for VA disability benefits, many veterans forget to include their secondary service-connected disabilities. Most mental and physical conditions cause other mental and physical conditions. Suppose a Vietnam veteran is eligible for VA disability benefits because they have diabetes from Agent Orange exposure. Any medical condition that is caused by diabetes is now considered a secondary service-connected impairment. Unfortunately, the VA often denies secondary service-connected disabilities. Very often, the VA is flat out wrong. Too many times our lawyers see that the error is simply due to someone at the VA not fully understanding how the law works we are sure this surprises you. How to ProveSecondary Service-Connected Disabilities There must be medical evidence that links both your first and secondary service-connected impairments to each other. You cant claim secondary service-connection to just any disability you want. There must be sound medical research that shows a link to be eligible for veterans disability benefits. Tell the VA that you consider a particular medical condition secondary to your service-connected impairments. Dont just assume the VA is going to automatically un Continue reading >>
The Va Diabetes Claim: How Many Ways To Service Connect?
In a VA Diabetes Claim, how many ways can the Veteran show that his/her diabetes is related to military service? There are several, and which one you use will be driven largely by how your Diabetes presents itself in your unique medical picture. Let’s start from the top. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a metabolic disease. For diabetics, the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily living. Diabetes is not – as commonly believed – something that only fat people get. Common Problems in the VA Diabetes Claim. Veterans seeking disability compensation benefits in a VA diabetes claim are likely to see the same “canned” responses from the VA Regional Office. Typically, RO will conclude that diabetes — or symptoms of diabetes — did not appear to a compensable degree within one year of discharge from the military. Another common error occurs when the VA Rater – or the BVA – relies solely on a medical opinion from a VA Medical Center Doctor who concludes that it would be pure speculation whether the present diagnosis of diabetes was caused by or connected to military service. Service Connection in the VA Diabetes Claim. For Veterans who are trying to establish service connection for Diabetes, there are at many ways to skin the proverbial cat. Here are 4: #1: Direct Service Connection. The most common way to Direct Service Connection. service connect diabetes to military service is to use “chronicity” and “continuity of symptomatology”: 1) Get a copy of your C-File: I can’t stress this enough. Without a copy of your C-File, you are battling the VA with blindfolds on. 2) Locate all references to the early symptomatology of diabetes in the milit Continue reading >>
Diabetes Mellitus Secondary Conditions
VA rated for peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus type II agent orange. CRSC Navy rated for the diabetes but denied the peripheral neuropathy. Why aren't secondaries rated by CRSC?VA statement: Evaluation for peripheral neuropathy, left and right lower extremity as secondary to the service connected disability of diabetes mellitus type II. 1. As an Army retiree who served in Vietnam, I have diabetic peripheral neuropathy as part of my CRSC approved percentage. You can file an application for reconsideration by the Navy. See ... 0page.aspx Please note that your reconsideration application must address the reason the secondary condition was not approved. I think it is an oversight on the part of the Navy CRSC board. What does the Navy letter state about the denial? 2. I deleted a quotation that wasn't applicable since CRSC boards do not accept medical opinions outside of what is already a matter of record. Here is a somewhat similar case: ... muN0Mvn_mM Information from the Air Force, "How can I tell if I have secondary disabilities? The VA Rating Decision will indicate if a condition is related to another service-connected disability, such as Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremity secondary to Diabetes Mellitus. If these conditions are directly linked to a combat-related disability, they would also be considered combat-related. Be sure to include any conditions you believe are associated with a combat-related disability." ... 24-043.doc Last edited by Ron91 on 12 Dec 2015, 10:01, edited 3 times in total. Continue reading >>
Dont Forget To Claim Secondary Disabilities
Dont Forget to Claim Secondary Disabilities /in Veterans /by Cassandra Crosby, Claims Advocate Secondary disabilities are defined as those illnesses or injuries that are caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. See our blog for a more in-depth definition of Secondary Service Connection here . There are two distinct categories; secondary service connection and secondary service connection by aggravation. So, first lets define them then discuss what you need to file a claim for them. This means that a service-connected illness or injury caused another illness or injury. For example, diabetes is one of the most common service-connected illnesses. If a veteran with diabetes develops complications from diabetes such as stroke, kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy, vascular disease, etc., those could then be claimed as secondary to a service-connected disability. There must be evidence that the service connected disability directly caused the secondary illness or injury. So, you cannot claim that diabetes caused Parkinsons Disease, but you can claim it caused blindness or loss of a limb if you have evidence showing the diagnosis and progression. Secondary service aggravation is a little different in that it is not something that was directly caused by the service-connected illness or injury but was aggravated by it enough that it is now an issue of its own. An example of this would be that someone has flat feet diagnosed in service and is service connected for that illness. Now, several years later they are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in their back and as time goes on it progresses to the point where they have to have surgery and possibly assistance walking such as with a cane or walker. Now, while rheumatoid arthritis is genetic, and therefore cannot Continue reading >>
New Strict Standard For Va Diabetes Ratings | Veterans Disability Attorney Blog
VA Diabetes Ratings: Under VA's rating code , a veteran is entitled to a 40% rating for diabetes "[r]equiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities." A 20% rating shall be assigned for diabetes "[r]equiring insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet." A new decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit clarifies that "insulin," as it is used in VA's rating code, means insulin administered exogenously, or from the outside of the body. In Middleton v. Shinseki, No. 2013-7014, slip op. 10-11 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 15, 2013), the Federal Circuit determined that a veteran could not receive a 40% disability rating for his diabetes where his diabetes required restricted diet, regulation of activities, and the use of a drug that produced insulin endogenously (meaning that the drug caused the body to produce insulin). The Federal Circuit also reiterated the longstanding rule that, to meet the requirement for a 40% disability rating, a veteran had to meet all three of the requirements listed in the rating code. One judge dissented. Circuit Judge Plager said that the rating code should be treated more of a guide and not as a hard and fast code. Circuit Judge Plager also highlighted that, where the veteran's disability more nearly approximates the higher disability rating than the lower rating, the higher disability rating should be awarded. If you or someone you care about is currently looking to file or appeal a claim for VA disability benefits including a claim filed on the basis of diabetes contact a veterans disability attorney from Bosley & Bratch to learn more about your case and how our firm can help. Continue reading >>
Secondary Service Connection And Veterans Disability Benefits
Secondary Service Connection and Veterans Disability Benefits Most veterans know that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability benefits to vets who suffered an injury or illness directly connected to their service. However, these same veterans may not know that the VA also provides benefits for conditions caused or worsened by the initial service-connected disability. These are known as secondary service- connected impairments . Secondary service connection may be established for an illness or impairment which was caused or worsened by an existing service-connected disability. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) says "A disability which is proximately due to, or the result of a service-connected disease or injury, shall be service connected, and shall be considered part of the original service-connected condition." Although the VA promises such benefits to disabled veterans, actually receiving them may not be easy. Proving that your new condition was the result of your service-connected impairment or that your existing condition was made worse by your service-connected impairment may require extensive medical evidence and visits to doctors. For example, if you injured your left knee in service, you may be entitled to service-connected benefits for the left knee. However, what if the injury to your left knee caused an alteration to your gait, forcing you to deal with the pain in your left knee by putting more weight on your right knee? If you later develop a problem in your right knee, you may be entitled to disability compensation for the right knee as secondary to the left knee. Other examples of secondary service connected disabilities are the many conditions that result from diabetes, which the VA has presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Continue reading >>
Are You Receiving The Correct Amount Of Compensation For Your Service-connected Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar. Type 2 Diabetes—sometimes called “adult onset diabetes” or diabetes mellitus—is considered to be presumptively service-connected for disability compensation for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Agent Orange was a defoliant used in Viet Nam and some areas of the DMZ in Korea to clear the jungle. Exposure to Agent Orange caused a number of health conditions in veterans. Due to the association between exposure to Agent Orange and the development of a number of medical conditions, the Veterans Administration promulgated regulations which establish a presumptive service-connection. A veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange and is later diagnosed with Diabetes is presumed to have a service connected disability, no matter when the condition first appears. The VA Does Not Typically Attempt to Disprove the Presumptive Service Connection In addition, the Veteran may be eligible for compensation for a number of conditions that are judged as secondary to Type 2 diabetes such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, coronary artery disease, hypertension and a list of other conditions. These conditions are all compensable when the disease first occurs. This presumption is rebuttable; however, for the most part the VA does not attempt to prove that the diabetes was caused by some other condition. Your Compensation for Service-Related Diabetes Will Depend on the Severity of Your Symptoms The amount of compensation a Veteran receives under the rating schedule for diabetes varies based on the severity of the symptoms: whether the diabetes is manageable by a restricted diet; whether insulin or hypoglycemic medication is necessary plus a restricted diet is necessary to manage your diabetes or whether Continue reading >>
Disability Compensation For Secondary Conditions Caused By Diabetes
DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR SECONDARY CONDITIONS CAUSED BY DIABETES by edfarmer | Oct 2, 2017 | Uncategorized | 0 comments If you are a Vietnam Era Veteran, you probably already know about the special VA rules that presume certain conditions are caused by Agent Orange exposure. One of these conditions is Type 2 Diabetes. What you may not be aware of is that you may be entitled to additional compensation for secondary conditions caused by your service-connected diabetes. Service-connected disability compensation is available for almost any disability that is the result of another service-connected condition. This legal theory is called secondary service connection. Secondary service connection can be established both where a service-connected condition contributes to the creation of a new disability and where a service-connected disability aggravates (worsens) a non-service-connected condition. It does not matter how long after service a secondary disability manifests itself, as long as there is sufficient medical evidence to establish that it is a result of a service connected condition. What Do I Need to Show to Establish Secondary Service Connection? Medical opinions are crucial in claims for secondary service connection and veterans should seriously consider obtaining a medical opinion from a private doctor. The medical opinion should state whether it is as likely as not (50% probability), or more likely than not (probable) that the claimed disability was caused or aggravated by the service-connected condition. The doctors statement should refer to a recognized medical text and supported with a medical rationale. Veterans should not give up on a claim for secondary service connection that is denied based solely on an opinion from a VA physician. Because the VA must Continue reading >>
What Form Do I Need For A Va Disability Comp Claim For Diabetes
If you are filing your VA disability compensation claim using private health care options, you can use a DBQ form, Disability Benefits Questionnaire, to evaluate your disability. To file a VA disability compensation claim for diabetes mellitus you need to add claims for all applicable conditions associated with your diabetes mellitus. No matter how controlled, diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease. Diabetes Mellitus affects all systems, organs, and functions of the body and causes other conditions. You will need your Private Physician or Physicians to complete a DBQ’s for the diabetes mellitus and each related condition. The DBQ’s for diabetes mellitus and related conditions can be viewed, filled for printing, downloaded or printed for your Doctor at website: Or, VA DBQ Forms can be viewed, filled for printing, downloaded or printed for your Doctor at website: The following is a list of some of the DBQ Forms related to Diabetes Mellitus. If you have another condition related that is not listed, go to the websites above and obtain the VA DBQ form associated with your condition or conditions. VA-21-0960E-1 – Diabetes Mellitus VA-21-0960C-4 – Diabetic Sensory-Motor Peripheral Neuropathy VA-21-0960A-4 – Heart Conditions (diabetic heart disease) VA-21-0960A-3 – Hypertension VA-21-0960A-2 – Artery and Vein Conditions (diabetic vascular disease) VA-21-0960M-1 – Amputations (diabetic vascular disease) VA-21-0960G-1 – Esophageal Conditions (diabetic reflux) VA-21-0960G-7 – Stomach and Duodenal Conditions (diabetic changes) VA-21-0960J-1 – Kidney Conditions (diabetic kidney impairment) VA-21-0960M-6 – Foot Conditions (diabetic foot drop) VA-21-0960F-2 – Skin Conditions (diabetic dermatitis) VA-21-0960J-2 – Male Reproductive Organ Conditions (diabe Continue reading >>
Secondary Disability Va Rating
Want a higher VA disability rating ? Many veterans service-connected disabilities cause them additionalphysical problems. Those veterans should often receive a higher disability rating from VA. Unfortunately, many veterans overlook the ways that some of their conditions are service-connected. You need to know the basics of this way to service-connect a disability so you wont be one of those veterans who is not receiving the full benefits you deserve. Many veterans do not apply for benefits for secondary conditions because they do not realize they are eligible. They only think in terms of direct service-connection, which is when there is a nexus between a current disability and an in-service event, injury, or disease. In other words, A causes B. A secondary condition, also known as a secondary disability, is a disability that is the result of another service-connected condition. In this scenario, A causes B. Then, B causes C, so C is service-connected. If you develop a medical condition because of a service-connected condition, then the medical condition that you develop is probably service-connected as well. But, you have to file for it. What are some of the ways a secondary condition can develop? There are several common ways that secondary conditions develop. I have listed a few of them below: As a result of medical treatment for a service-connected condition The treatment that is necessary for a medical condition can often cause another medical condition to develop. One example is pain medication which could cause liver problems, kidney problems and stomach problems. Another example is surgery. Even if done carefully, surgery has risks and could cause other medical conditions to develop. Other times, the progression of the disease leads to other complications that c Continue reading >>
