Anyone know what compensation ratings are awarded for type II diabetes?

Welcome to Agent Orange Discussion Boards. Please review all of the topics on this board. Those which are featured are extremely important and will give you guidence and many answers. There are links, you may wish to use them.

-good question-

All VA disability copmpensation is based on the impairment of the veteran. Disability is rated from 0% no impairment, to 100% severe impairment. It will depend on the results of the doctors reports (how it is recorded in your progress notes), the medications, therapy, affect on employment and how you are affected in quality of life.
In regard to service connection for Diabetes type 2, or Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus, I am listing the most common ratings. Those who are prescribed diet and excercise are USUALLY awarded 10%. Those who are prescribed diet, excercise and oral medication are USUALLY awarded 20%. In addition to those who are prescribed diet, excercise, oral medication, insulin dependence MAY be a factor in higher awards. Life expectency is usually a factor on awards over 40%.

Note: USUALLY and MAY does not mean always.

Thanks for the info. Do you know if there is a link between Agent Orange and sleep apena?

I wish there were, but none to my knowledge! To expand on what Dave said, in my case (Agent Orange/type II diabetes) they gave me the aforementioned 20 percent (diet, exercise, and meds) but also gave me 10% for each leg nerve damage. I did not even know I had it, and had not put in for it, was a pleasant surprise to get 40% rather than the anticipated 20.
This is an excellent example of why a GOOD VSO can help, I should have applied for the leg damage, and but for a compassionate C&P, would never have known about it.

quote:

Originally posted by cav66signal:
Thanks for the info. Do you know if there is a link between Agent Orange and sleep apena?

I can't believe the VA/DOD gives disability rating for type 2 diabetes...In my opinion that is shameful. Type 2 isn't a service related injury or illness...Thanks for the information Dave.

quote:

Originally posted by DaveBarker:
Welcome to Agent Orange Discussion Boards. Please review all of the topics on this board. Those which are featured are extremely important and will give you guidence and many answers. There are links, you may wish to use them.

-good question-

All VA disability copmpensation is based on the impairment of the veteran. Disability is rated from 0% no impairment, to 100% severe impairment. It will depend on the results of the doctors reports (how it is recorded in your progress notes), the medications, therapy, affect on employment and how you are affected in quality of life.
In regard to service connection for Diabetes type 2, or Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus, I am listing the most common ratings. Those who are prescribed diet and excercise are USUALLY awarded 10%. Those who are prescribed diet, excercise and oral medication are USUALLY awarded 20%. In addition to those who are prescribed diet, excercise, oral medication, insulin dependence MAY be a factor in higher awards. Life expectency is usually a factor on awards over 40%.

Note: USUALLY and MAY does not mean always.

quote:

I can't believe the VA/DOD gives disability rating for type 2 diabetes...In my opinion that is shameful. Type 2 isn't a service related injury or illness...Thanks for the information Dave.

Any condition incurred, or aggravated by active duty may be service connected. In regard to diabetes type 2, the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, after extensive research found a link of diabetes mellitus adult onset (in 2000 it was still known as type 2) to exposre of herbicides we commonly refer to as Agent Orange.

If you read the rules, those who have served more than 8 years are considered to be SC for all disabilities. That means all diseases that manifest while in service for a member who has been enlisted (or an officer) for 8 years is considered SC. To be honest Civil Service and most big companies have disability programs. The nature of a soldiers or sailors job is such that something that would not have large effects on civilian employment prevents a member from being world wide deployable and retainable in the military. And those who have severed more than 8 but less than 20 will find the adjustment to the civilian world tough and a financial challenge.

"§ 1207a. Members with over eight years of active service: eligibility for disability retirement for pre-existing conditions

(a) In the case of a member described in subsection (b) who would be covered by section 1201, 1202, or 1203 of this title but for the fact that the member’s disability is determined to have been incurred before the member became entitled to basic pay in the member’s current period of active duty, the disability shall be deemed to have been incurred while the member was entitled to basic pay and shall be so considered for purposes of determining whether the disability was incurred in the line of duty.
(b) A member described in subsection (a) is a member with at least eight years of active service."

Dave B and Dave M,
Thanks for the additional information and the regulations. My post was just my opinion based on my experience as a type 1 diabetic I was diagnosed 1 year to date after my seperation from the navy. I have been a diabetic for 14yrs, my young son is type 1(4yrs) my father (45yrs) and my father in law (40yrs). I participate in all ADA and JDRF sponsored events to raise awareness and money for research (just to inform you I stay aware & updated). I checked the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine and found the research you have spoke of and have read it and found it quite interesting. I still know very little about agent orange or its side affects or connections to other diseases. I do know about diabetes and the most common cause which bring on type 2 are , geneitics, poor diet, lack of exercise and stress. if we apply common sense to your subject and you check into this you will see where type 2 has a connection to just about any and all diseases. Irregardeless of the regulations and what they state my opinion still stands that giving any veteren disability rating for type 2 is wrong! Thanks again for the iformation Gentlemen.

Here is a partial clip from my website on diabetes type 1 and 2:

Veterans and Agent Orange Update 2004 (2005)


The report has been released with little change. We have gone through a two year period of study and research with the National Academy of Sciences, for the VA and the net result was a clarification on insulin dependent diabetes type 2. To me it was extremely disappointing, that so many subjects remained untouched and new conditions were not added. Those exposed to Agent Orange, must again wait on those who have little sense of urgency. The now aging Vietnam veterans, find their ranks starting to thin. Many Agent Orange exposed veterans have met premature death, as a result of conditions many strongly believe are the result of the exposure.

The VAO Update 2004 has supposedly clarified the insulin dependent diabetes type 2 as a result of my personal testimony before the NAS committee in July 2004. In discussions with committee members it was stated they (the committee) were unaware the VA was denying claims for some veterans, due to insulin dependent being classified as diabetes type 1. The VA position was diabetes type 1 was juvenile onset, rather than adult onset which is known as diabetes type 2.

The report defined the conditions "diabetes mellitus is a group of heterogeneous metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia and quantitative or qualitative deficiency of insulin action (Orchard et al., 1992). Although all form share hyperglycemia, the pathogenic processes involved in its development differ. Most diabetes fall into two categories: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin caused by the destruction of insulin producing cells. In the pancreas.; type 2 diabetes is characterized by a combination of resistance to the actions of insulin and inadequate secretion of insulin, called relative insulin deficiency. In the old classification systems type 1 diabetes was called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus; type 2 diabetes was called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

The report defined the conditions "diabetes mellitus is a group of heterogeneous metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia and quantitative or qualitative deficiency of insulin action (Orchard et al., 1992). Although all form share hyperglycemia, the pathogenic processes involved in its development differ. Most diabetes fall into two categories: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin caused by the destruction of insulin producing cells. In the pancreas.; type 2 diabetes is characterized by a combination of resistance to the actions of insulin and inadequate secretion of insulin, called relative insulin deficiency. In the old classification systems type 1 diabetes was called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus; type 2 diabetes was called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult onset diabetes mellitus. The modern classification system recognizes that type 2 can occur in children and also can require insulin. For both types, long term complications can include cardiovascular disease nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and increased vulnerability to infections. Maintaining correct blood sugar concentrations within the normal range is crucial for preventing complications...

The etiology of diabetes type 2 is unknown, but three major components have been identified: peripheral insulin resistance (thought by many to be primary) in target tissues (muscle, adipose tissue, liver) a defect in â-cell insulin secretion; and hepatic glucose overproduction. In states of insulin resistance, insulin secretion is initially higher for each concentration of glucose, compared with that for people without diabetes. That hyperinsulinemic state is a compensation for peripheral resistance and can often maintain normal glucose levels for years. Eventually, â-cell compensation become inadequate and there is progression to overt diabetes with concomitant hyperglycemia. The reason the â-cell cease to produce sufficient insulin is not known.

Dave,
Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by cav66signal:
Anyone know what compensation ratings are awarded for type II diabetes?

I was just sent my rating for diabetes last week and only recieved 10% it would have been higher if i needed medication ,but since im trying the diet control ,was only given 10% good luck

I am the wife of a pilot I appologize for breaking into the middle of your message. Was not my intent. I do not under stand how any one cannot believe thet type 2 diabetes would not be caused from Agent Orange. Anyone who has ever worked with strong insecticides or even strong soap,medicines or other strong products knows of the problems that might occur. My husband was rated at 20% a few years ago (from OAgent Orange) and has worsened very badly since that time. The case has been reopened.He had all kinds of tests done in Feb. of this year.Was given a hearing aid (service connected) also an eye test slowly going blind from type 2 diabetes and was to have had a new rating this month,instead he received notice he must have another hearing and eye test this month at the VA here in Reno.When I called the eye clinic the Tech. there asked me why he was being resceduled,so soon? WoW! And how would I know the answer to that question. He told me this has never happened there before. I told him perhaps the papers had been misplaced,he was very indignant,that never happens here. I having been a para-legal in an attorneys office for many years, knows that can and does happen.
The pilot's wife

quote:

I was just sent my rating for diabetes last week and only recieved 10% it would have been higher if i needed medication ,but since im trying the diet control ,was only given 10% good luck

Anytime an exposed to herbicides veteran has diabetes, I am pleased to know they are service connected for the condition. The objective is to have the condition under complete control and although money is nice, health is better. Diabetes is a killer. I pray you will never need more than good diet and excercise.
Please always keep your appointments, when the nurse and doctor ask how are you today? Don't say I'm fine, doing OK or any of that type of macho baloney. Respond by telling them what symptoms you are experiencing. For example if you have pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands and feet, tell them! If your eyes are blurring, tell them. Don't say I'm fine, doing OK or any of that type of macho comment, if you were fine or OK you would not have diabetes.

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I am the wife of a pilot I appologize for breaking into the middle of your message.

Mrs. Parkhurst welcome! You certainly are welcome here. This site is for veterans and dependents to discuss these issues with one another (and those others who are interested). Nobody is perfect and the VA Healthcare, as good as it may be, is no exception.
I love to tell the naysayers "read the label on a can of 'Ortho Weed B Gon'" that ought to do it!
Welcome and keep posting!