Reopen Diabetes II or file secondary to Hypoythyroid

[L2dee2]

I was diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 on 2 Mar 10,  my last day on active duty was 28 Feb 09. I was denied service connection when I filed since I was officially diagnosed 3 days outside the 1 year window.  I never appealed this claim.  I was rated 60% in 2010 and never looked back.

I recently happened across this site and realized, I might be able to reopen the case and submit a nexus letter stating that the diabetes manifested within the one year of me leaving active duty if not before.  Lab test taken on 25 Feb 09 show a Glucose reading of 324.  For some reason HB A1C test wasn't take until 2 Mar 10.  My HB A1C was 12.5.  The 2 Mar 10 date puts me inside the 1 year window.  There is no way my diabetes appeared in 3 days after the 1 year window.

I am also service connected with Hypothyrodism (Hashimotos) which caused weight gain and slows the metabolism.  I was diagnosed in 1998.  Some medical evidence also shows slow thyroid can cause Diabetes.  Due to weight gain from my underactive thyroid, I was clinically obese on active duty.    If I can't get Diabetes added by showing it is service connected, maybe I can add it as a secondary to my Hypothyrodisim.  What are your thoughts?

 

[shrekthetank1]

So this is a tough one. I think you could try to service connect it but you need to have all of your bases covered. A nexus would help and your glucose test could also, but you could also go secondary.  

Anyone else seen this?  

Either way make sure you have a nexus-IMO-Lay statements and maybe the kitchen sink!  

[broncovet]

While it would have helped you to apply for SC within  a year of service, it sounds like that did not happen so you need to play the hand you have been dealt.  

As you pointed out there are 2 possibilities for SC..Direct, and secondary, but you may have left of presumptive. 

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/

It depends on when/where you served.  

 

[shrekthetank1]

10 minutes ago, broncovet said:

While it would have helped you to apply for SC within  a year of service, it sounds like that did not happen so you need to play the hand you have been dealt.  

As you pointed out there are 2 possibilities for SC..Direct, and secondary, but you may have left of presumptive. 

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/

It depends on when/where you served.  

 

You are correct as most of mine were presumptive.  I think you just need to go with what you feel (after research) your best direction. Do it soon as the longer you wait the longer it will take. 

[Oceanbound]

You have to decide which one you going to stick with because going to be pyramiding when your claim both.

Because both can be treated with meds or an injection, both cause weight gain, both rates are almost identical. 

The question is which one causes more damage to your person? To me; the answer would be diabetes. So continue seeking your PCP for diabetes, and your thyroid annually. 

[L2dee2]

Thanks for all of your suggestions.   I served 1988-2009 and I already receive 10% for hypothyroidism.   My claim for diabetes was initially denied and I did not appeal it at the time. I did not file my initial claim until 2010.  My diabetes diagnosis was 3 days past the 1year mark to be SC’d.    I am trying to add now as secondary or SC.