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02/21/09 01:55 PM

"Wondering anyone out there have submitted a claim to the VA for Diabetes after getting out? Due to family history I can not submit a claim"

Asked By: actionj5

Category: Insurance and Financial Issues

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Retired from the military 2005 Diagnosed Diabetes 2 2007 Never was tested while in the military DAV said NO to submitting a claim.

Expert Answers (1)

06/30/09 08:50 PM

Dear actionj5

I agree with the community responses, it may take additional effort in order to receive benefits. If you were exposed to Agent Orange, you do have a good case. As with any denial, I would ask your doctor to help you build your case. Also did you have a physical done while on active duty? You should have access to your records and it would be good for you to determine if your blood glucose levels were elevated while you were in the service. I know of many individuals who have appealed their cases and won, so do not give up.

Answered By: Kathleen Gold

Accreditations: RN, MSN, CDE

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Community Answers (3)

03/27/09 11:10 AM

Are you trying to file for the agent orange claim. I also filed back in 2000 and was also denied. Dont give up keep hitting them where it hurts. Get an expert and doctors report and file, file file if you feel that is where your diabetes came from.

Answered By: furball64801

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03/06/09 02:36 PM

I was diagnosed with diabetes while in the Navy in April 1963 and medically retired from an infection that developed after and infection. In July of that year I filed with the VA directly and received a 40% disability rating (standard for diabetes) which also qualified me for VA Rehabilitation which pays more than the GI Bill and doesn't take away from the GI Bill. The process took about 9 months. Since that time I have developed coronary artery disease and Charcot's foot which has raised my disability to 80%. I suggest you go to the nearest VA hospital and check with the American Legion representative rather than the DAV. I've had more luck with them. Also, don't think it will be a short process as you may have to relate it back to something that may have happened during your service. One person I know developed diabetes six months after discharge but his doctor supported his claim that an infection, abcessed tooth, occured during his active duty and that was the trigger. Once you get an appointment with a VA doctor, they only check to see if you are insulin dependent or not. If you are not, there are no benefits but they will continue to monitor you each year to see if you become insulin dependent. When that occurs, it's relatively automatic. I'm surprised the DAV isn't more persistent with the VA in processing your claim. Usually both organizations are constant nags and usually have ideas for you to try such as having your PCP submit a letter believing the diabetes, possibly inherited but not proven, was triggered while on active duty.

Answered By: rvadded

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03/06/09 02:12 PM

It is not up to the DAV to say "no" - that is the VA's job. I am repulsed by that, which is odd since they are representing me in my compensation claim for complications that have arisen from my service connected Type I. I suspect that as with all things pertaining to the VA, the answer is probably not that simple. Since you retired, you are not totally out of luck. I was discharged after 14 years of service, and am not entitled to any of the retiree benefits you receive, including health care. I envy you to the max - since I got shafted pretty hard when I was kicked out for diabetes. Anyway, iIn the VA system, your service connected conditions are the only ones that are treated free of charge - the other will cost you. The only benefit you would derive from a successful diabetes claim would be that any money you receive for a disability is not taxed, which in turn will offset the same taxable portion of your retirement check. In other words, at best it would save you a few dollars off your taxes. I think what they were trying to say is that to have a successful claim, you must be able to show how your diabetes is related to your military service. For example, if you had it before you were discharged and it is recorded in your service medical records, you have a case. On the other hand, if it occurred after you left the service, then you are probably out of luck. There is an exception, and that is for Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. They are presumed to have a service connection between diabetes (and many other illnesses) and exposure to defoliants. I'd suggest that you discuss filing a claim with another Veteran Service Organization. They can be found at your nearest VA Hospital, your Veterans Affairs Regional Office or at www.va.gov.

Answered By: rangertom

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