diabetes Diabetes Claim -- Do I Have What I Need?

[Dave]

To start, I am not a Vietnam Vet (so no Agent Orange presumption) and I was diagnosed with diabetes II outside of the 1 year window after retirement (27 months). I do have two high blood glucose readings -- 135 mg/dl from a fasting lab conducted by the VA for a Benefits Delivered at Discharge C&P during my last month of service. I only found out about these results 20 months after from a FOIA request. I have one other fasting reading of 115 from the military doctors a few months before the VA and the military doctor wrote "patient counseled on high blood glucose reading". My current diabetic doctor reviewed my military records and wrote "based on my review of the veteran's service records to include high fasting glucose readings, there is "no doubt" that his diabetes started in service." Now that I have a current DM II diagnosis, a record of 2 high readings during my last year of service and plus the doctors statement for nexus -- would this claim now be granted? I have a VSO helping me and I believe my doctors letter will help me establish direct service connection for DM II. Thoughts?

Thanks

Dave

[Conecuh]

Dave, Get your self checked for Peripheral Neuropathy. I have it bad in my feet and legs, but did not even know I had it in my Hands and Arms. (you may have it and not know it). I sure hope you don't have it but it is fairly common with DM2. They pay a percent for each extremity. I would get an IMO, EMG test for that. If it shows, file for an increase. You'll have good evidence and that will win. More important, if you have it you catch it early and can take medications for it. I sure hope you don't have it!

[Dave]

Conecuh,

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, I already have PN in both feet and prescribed medication for it. I was waiting for VA to service connect the DM II before filing the PN claim, plus I had filed the DM II claim before the diagnosis of PN. I have been on the Neuropathy medication for about 3 months, but my feet still burn and tingle. I told the C&P doctor I had PN and taking medication -- and even put it on the QTC notes, but that doctor didn't even put that in his report. The PN and medication was also listed in a letter I sent to the VA during my pending VA claim on DM II, but they glossed over that. I am going to get another note from my diabetes doctor referencing the PN.

By the way, I am from Alabama originally and was born in Evergreen, AL.

Thanks again for your advice.

[trailblazer]

Dave I got 40% for DM II with PN on my initial award. I don't if it was secondary to DM II or not. If you have access to the internet there is a lot of good information on problems caused by diabetes. The more you know about DM II will help you out when you go for your C&P. Also check out the C&P exams as they tell you what they are looking for and the questions they will ask you. Knowledge is power and we need all the power we can get. Good luck.