diabetes Question About Diabetes Type Ii

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I have Diabetes Type II. While on active duty, 78-92, I did get sent to Walter Reed for some type of test and was found to have nephritis (sp). That doctor kept asking if I had diabetes in my family, which I did not. Again, while pregnant, I was asked the same thing. That doctor told me I probably had the beginnings of diabetes; however, don't tell anyone and to exercise and lay off the starch.

I got off active duty in 92 and went into the reserves. In 2004, I had an army physical and was found to have diabetes. I went through a medical board and was found fit to stay in the program. The diabetes got worse, and in 2010, I was issued a profile which stated the diabetes, plus no field rations. I was also informed that I was not qualified to serve anymore, so I retired.

My question is, can I file a claim as the condition worsened over the years, or should I just leave it alone?

thanks,

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[SP4RVN1971]

The VA would like a veteran to think that! Any condition or disease that originated and occurred during military service (Other than from "misconduct") meets one of the basic requirements for compensation eligibility. Naturally, if the VA can show offsetting facts, or other countering evidence, such as heredity, they will attempt to do so.

A/O exposure related confers a "presumptive" status for mainly Vietnam veteran's. All this really does is force the VA to abide by the Nehmer court ruling, and makes it much harder (in theory) for the VA to try it's other "tricks" used to deny or minimize claims.

I'm still frosted by the government's ignoring probable Dioxin exposure at places such as Treasure Island Navy Base. Treasure Island was a (now closed) base used to outfit and provide training to thousands of sailors assigned to the Far East, including "blue" and "brown" water sailors. A common facet of this training was Fire Fighting.

The fuels used for the fires and smoke resulted in Dioxin contamination of the fire fighting school. (EPA fund site) As a result, a very large number of 7th Fleet sailors were exposed to Dioxin before they were sent overseas to various duty stations and ships.

Chuck75, good point , I have alot to learn. our Goverment has put us in harm's way!

[john999]

If your DmII or any secondary condition has gotten worse or you have new secondary condtions file for an increase! There are a host of secondary conditions for DMII including heart disease and artery disease.

[Berta]

You wrote:

"got off active duty in 92 and went into the reserves. In 2004, I had an army physical and was found to have diabetes. I went through a medical board and was found fit to stay in the program. The diabetes got worse, and in 2010, I was issued a profile which stated the diabetes, plus no field rations. I was also informed that I was not qualified to serve anymore, so I retired."

and then:

"however, there is no documentation in my military medical records that I had diabetes"

maybe I am confusing the replies here.

I met a local vet years ago who had been denied by the BVA and the CAVC twice for in service Diabetes. I was working as a volunteer for his former vet rep who saw no possibility of his proving his claim at that point.

He won, after over a 12 year battle. Inservice proof of diabetes (this claim involved a LOT of work ) and he also was willing to get an IMO based on my findings in his SMRs which concurred with his claim.

His private Diabetes doctor was willing to do the IMO but didn't have a clue as to how the VA wants them prepared.The VA rejected the first IMO but then they accepted the second one.

Diabetes has certain specific symptoms at early stages and in this vet's case his SMRs revealed treatment for what they said was an STS and other stuff (they were wrong-it was diabetes)

In your case it appears there should be evidence in your SMRs of diabetes diagnosis.I am baffled by the different responses you posted.

Even without a diagnosis, if a vet had inservice undiagnosed diabetes, it can be proven-but it takes a lot of work and a solid IMO.

The vet I helped had a private doctor who is a considered top notch diabetes expert in NY.

But he had never done an IMO for VA before and thought the VA would know of his expertise so he didn't have to give a full medical rationale using the veteran's SMRs.

There are doctors on the net who could have done the IMO better but his was a freebee. He was mad when he found out VA wouldnt accept the first IMO.

And even got angrier when he found out I paid healthgrades for a full medical run down on him.

I needed to do that because the VARO up here doesn't care how famous or well known an expert doctor is because the IMO rationale must justify their potential award.

Diabetes has so many early warning signs that often might appear undiagnosed but within the SMRs as something else.

It can involve an extensive amount of time and work going through SMRs and these days I advise to have the IMO doctor do it themselves.

Edited July 24, 2011 by Berta

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Thank you, Berta, you've given me a lot to think about and consider. Sorry about the confusion in my postings. There is no documentation in my Active Duty medical records, except for a test I had to have done at Walter Reed - I had swollen kidneys - nephritis. I am trying to track that down.

All documentation is in my Reserve records.

I will review what you wrote - I appreciate it. Thanks millions.