Type 2 Diabetes is considered a presumptive condition by the VA for veterans exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange.
This designation simplifies the claims process by presuming the condition is service-related. Type 2 is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose—sugar in your blood.
That’s why Diabetes is also often called Mellitus. It is the Latin word that means “sweet” or “honeyed.” It is the term used by the VA and in the official Schedule for Rating, which gives the rating scale for every condition eligible for the VA disability benefits.
Agent Orange, a herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War, contains Dioxin, a toxic chemical linked to Type II diabetes. Research has shown that dioxin disrupts the body’s endocrine system, leading to insulin resistance.
To qualify for presumptive benefits, veterans must have served in these areas:
* Vietnam: January 9,1962 – May 7, 1975.
* Korean DMZ: September 1, 1967 – August 31, 1971.
* Thailand (1962- 1976)
* Guam and American Samoa (1962- 1980)
* Laos (1965 – 1969)
* Cambodia ((1969)
* Johnston Atoll (1972- 1977)
Those who served aboard U.S. vessels in Vietnam’s inland waterways or in locations where herbicides were stored or tested are also eligible.
The symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include: unusually severe thirst (Polydipsia), frequent urination (Polyuria), severe hunger (Polyphagia), fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds and frequent inflammations, and unexpected weight change.
If not managed properly, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye damage, and an increased risk of infections.
Type 2 Diabetes is very common among Veterans. This is mainly associated with lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, stress, mental health issues, and lack of access to healthcare. Smoking is also a common risk factor for developing Type 2 Diabetes.
CDC research has shown that smokers are 30% to 40% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to non-smokers. Unfortunately, many of these factors are associated with military service and the life of Veterans after discharge.
Help is available to you by calling the local VA hospital in Northport, at (631) 261-4400 or the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, press 1 to talk to a veteran or have a confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255. If you have any questions relating to veteran problems please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer them. Contact us at: Drfred72@Gmail.com.
Rev. Frederick Miller, Ph.D.