The occurrence of type two, or adult onset diabetes in our population is increasing, especially as we age.  The Vietnam Era population is now reaching their 50’s and beyond, and for veterans who served in Vietnam, there is a statistically higher incidence of type two diabetes.  This statistically increased incurrence has lead the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to declare a link between Vietnam service and type two diabetes. 

This means that if you served in Vietnam and now have type two diabetes, you can receive service connected disability compensation and health care for this condition through the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  The term “service in Vietnam” means that at some time between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975, you were actually in Vietnam.  Service in the waters offshore or in the air does not qualify you unless during that time you actually set foot in Vietnam and have some way to prove it.  For most veterans who served in Vietnam, their service is clearly shown on their separation papers, the DD-214.  Others may have to request copies of their personnel records from the military branch they served in. 

If you have qualifying service, you should obtain a statement from your treating doctor that you are currently being treated for type two diabetes.  It doesn’t matter that your condition may now be controlled by diet only; if you have the diagnosis, that is sufficient.  Of course, the more detail you provide, the easier it will be for the VA to handle your claim, so you should try to get a copy of your treatment records for the past year.  This is especially valuable if you are being treated by medication. 

Completion of a successful claim could entitle you to compensation for your diabetes.  The evaluation will be assessed through a VA examination, during which a VA doctor will evaluate your current condition.  The VA will then assign an evaluation through the rating process.  The evaluation could be as little as zero percent disabling to 100 percent disabling, which would warrant $2300 or more monthly in compensation.  Service connection can also be granted for secondary conditions directly related to the diabetes such as diabetic retinopathy.  Remember that once service connection has been established, you can reopen your claim if the condition progresses or other secondary conditions are discovered. 

If service connection is established, you are also entitled to care for this condition at any VA medical facility.  Medical care includes prescription drugs required to treat the condition as well.  Both the medical care and prescription drugs are provided without cost for veterans who are service connected for the condition.  This becomes especially important if you eventually become insulin dependent. 

If you’ve never filed claim with the VA before, I strongly recommend that you work through a service officer.  There are service officers from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs located at every major VA facility throughout the state.  Look in your local phone directory in the blue pages under the State listings to find the number of the FDVA service officer near you.  Florida also has County Veteran Service Officers in every county.  Again, look in the blue pages, but this time in the county listings.  Any of these service officers can answer your questions or assist you in filing a claim for these or other VA benefits, and there is no charge for their services.  Or you can simply call the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000, Ex. 7400, and ask for a service officer.  They will answer your questions and direct you to the service officer nearest your home to assist you with filing a claim.